1.
to encourage; to hearten; to inspire courage in
To give someone courage or confidence, helping them feel braver or more motivated. A compound verb from 勇気 (courage) + づける (to give, to imbue with).
友達を勇気づけた。
I encouraged my friend.
彼の言葉に勇気づけられた。
I was encouraged by his words.
落ち込んでいる後輩を勇気づけるために声をかけた。
I spoke to my junior to encourage them when they were feeling down.
USAGE:
勇気づける is an ichidan (ru-verb) that means to give someone courage. The passive form 勇気づけられる (to be encouraged) is very common.
CONJUGATION:
- 勇気づける (dictionary form)
- 勇気づけない (negative)
- 勇気づけた (past)
- 勇気づけられる (passive — to be encouraged)
SIMILAR WORDS:
励ます also means to encourage, but has a broader scope and is more commonly used in everyday speech. 勇気づける specifically emphasizes giving someone courage or bravery.