湧(わ)く

わく
verb (godan)
to well up, to spring forth, to surge
1. to well up, to spring forth, to gush out
For water, hot springs, or other liquids to emerge naturally from the ground.
ここから温泉(おんせん)が湧(わ)いている。
Hot spring water wells up from here.
山(やま)の中腹(ちゅうふく)から清水(しみず)が湧(わ)き出(で)ている。
Spring water gushes out from the mountainside.
この地域(ちいき)は地下水(ちかすい)が豊富(ほうふ)に湧(わ)くことで知(し)られている。
This area is known for its abundant groundwater springs.
2. to surge, to well up (emotions, ideas)
For feelings, thoughts, motivation, or interest to arise spontaneously from within.
やる気(き)が湧(わ)いてきた。
I'm starting to feel motivated.
話(はなし)を聞(き)いて興味(きょうみ)が湧(わ)いた。
Hearing the story sparked my interest.
彼(かれ)の演説(えんぜつ)を聞(き)いて、勇気(ゆうき)が湧(わ)いてきた。
Listening to his speech, I felt courage welling up inside me.

USAGE:
Distinct from 沸(わ)く (to boil), which is a homophone. 湧(わ)く refers to things emerging from the ground or arising spontaneously, while 沸(わ)く refers to liquid reaching boiling point or a crowd getting excited.

Often used with the compound 湧(わ)き出(で)る (to gush out, to spring forth) for emphasis.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 温泉(おんせん)が湧(わ)く: hot spring water wells up
  • 興味(きょうみ)が湧(わ)く: interest arises
  • やる気(き)が湧(わ)く: motivation wells up
  • 勇気(ゆうき)が湧(わ)く: courage surges

Related Words

Homophone: 沸(わ)く (to boil)
general
Added 2026.2.24 19:00
13000/13321_waku_welling