1.
encouragement; incentive; motivation
Something that gives one motivation or encouragement to continue efforts.
みんなの応援が励みになる。
Everyone's support is encouraging.
子供の笑顔が仕事の励みだ。
My children's smiles are my motivation at work.
励みになる言葉をありがとう。
Thank you for the encouraging words.
RELATED VERB:
励む - to work hard, to strive
励ます - to encourage (someone)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 励みになる - to be encouraging/motivating
- 励みを与える - to give encouragement
- 大きな励み - great encouragement
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 張り合い - stimulation, motivation (from competition)
- やりがい - sense of fulfillment
- 動機 - motive
NUANCE:
励み emphasizes the encouragement aspect, giving someone strength to continue.