鼓舞

• Pinyin: gǔ wǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 鼓 = 壴 + 支 (drum); 舞 = 舛 + 无 (dance)

Meaning

To inspire; to encourage; to hearten. As an adjective, inspiring or encouraging.

Describes lifting spirits and motivating others through words, actions, or examples. Often used for motivational speeches, inspiring achievements, or morale-boosting activities.

Examples

1. 教练的话鼓舞了全队士气。 The coach’s words lifted the entire team’s morale.
2. 她的成功故事鼓舞了无数年轻人。 Her success story has inspired countless young people.
3. 这是一场令人鼓舞的胜利。 It was an inspiring victory.

Usage Guide

Context: motivation, leadership, achievements

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 总统发表了鼓舞人心的演讲。(The president delivered an inspiring speech.)
• 志愿者们的热情鼓舞着灾区民众。(The volunteers' enthusiasm inspired the disaster-stricken people.)

Don't Say

• 我鼓舞了食物 — 鼓舞 is for inspiring people, not for interacting with objects

Origin & History

鼓 (drum) + 舞 (dance) — drumming and dancing to inspire

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal