()()

はりあい
noun
motivation; stimulation; something to strive for
1. motivation; stimulation; sense of purpose
The feeling of having something worthwhile to work toward; a sense of purpose or drive.
退職(たいしょく)してから()()いがなくなった。
Since retiring, I've lost my sense of purpose.
ライバルがいると()()いがある。
Having a rival gives me motivation.
毎日(まいにち)仕事(しごと)()()いを(かん)じる。
I feel a sense of purpose in my daily work.

RELATED VERB:
()()う - to compete, to rival

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • ()()いがある - to have motivation/purpose
  • ()()いがない - to lack motivation
  • ()()いを(かん)じる - to feel a sense of purpose

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (はげ)み - encouragement, incentive
  • やりがい - sense of fulfillment
  • ()きがい - reason for living

NUANCE:
()()い often implies motivation from competition or having challenges. Common when discussing life after retirement or the importance of having goals.

Related Words

Related: ()きがい (reason for living)