(しげき)

しげき
noun, suru-verb
stimulus, stimulation, incentive
1. stimulus, stimulation
Something that provokes a physical or mental response.
(つよ)刺激(しげき)()けた。
I received a strong stimulus.
コーヒーは(のう)刺激(しげき)(あた)える。
Coffee provides stimulation to the brain.
()刺激(しげき)(つよ)いので、サングラスをかけた。
The stimulation to my eyes was strong, so I put on sunglasses.
2. incentive, motivation
Something that encourages action or effort.
(あたら)しい環境(かんきょう)()刺激(しげき)になる。
A new environment serves as good stimulation.
友達(ともだち)頑張(がんば)りに刺激(しげき)()けた。
I was inspired by my friend's efforts.
(かれ)成功(せいこう)刺激(しげき)されて、(わたし)挑戦(ちょうせん)することにした。
Inspired by his success, I decided to try as well.
刺激(しげき)される = to be stimulated/inspired

刺激(しげき) refers to anything that provokes a response, whether physical (sensory stimulation) or psychological (motivation, inspiration).

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 刺激(しげき)(あた)える (to give/provide stimulation)
  • 刺激(しげき)()ける (to receive stimulation)
  • 刺激(しげき)になる (to serve as stimulation)
  • 刺激(しげき)される (to be stimulated/inspired)

COLLOCATIONS:

  • (つよ)刺激(しげき) (strong stimulation)
  • ()刺激(しげき) (good stimulation)
  • 経済(けいざい)刺激(しげき)(さく) (economic stimulus measures)

USAGE NOTE:
As a suru-verb, 刺激(しげき)する means "to stimulate" (transitive). The passive form 刺激(しげき)される often means "to be inspired" when referring to motivation.