1.
encouragement; inspiration; rallying
The act of inspiring or spurring someone on to greater effort or enthusiasm. Often used with する as a suru-verb meaning to encourage, inspire, or rally.
チームを鼓舞した。
He rallied the team.
監督の言葉が選手たちを鼓舞した。
The coach's words inspired the players.
困難な状況の中、リーダーは仲間を鼓舞し続け、最後まであきらめなかった。
In the midst of difficult circumstances, the leader kept rallying the group and never gave up until the end.
Compound of 鼓 (drum; to rouse) + 舞 (dance). The imagery is of beating drums and dancing to raise morale — an ancient military practice.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 士気を鼓舞する (boost morale)
- チームを鼓舞する (rally a team)
- 自らを鼓舞する (motivate oneself)
- 鼓舞激励 (encouragement and rallying)
USAGE NOTES:
More formal and literary than 励ます (to encourage). 鼓舞する implies rousing someone's fighting spirit or passion, while 励ます is gentler and more supportive. Often appears in sports, military, and leadership contexts.