鼓励
How to Understand
鼓励 means 'to encourage' in English. It refers to the act of motivating someone to do something, often by expressing support or praise. Unlike 'inspire,' which can be more abstract, 鼓励 is typically used in direct, supportive contexts.
The character 鼓 (gǔ) originally meant 'drum' and later came to symbolize energy or activity. 励 (lì) means 'to strive' or 'to exert effort.' Together, they form a word that conveys the idea of pushing someone forward with motivation and support.
鼓励 is commonly used in both personal and professional settings. For example, parents might encourage their children to study, or managers might encourage employees to take on new challenges. In Chinese culture, encouragement is valued as a way to build confidence and foster growth.