Words
encourage vs inspire — push them forward vs light a spark
A side-by-side comparison of meaning, examples, and nuance.
encourage
/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
support, urge
To give someone confidence or support to do something.
inspire
/ɪnˈspaɪər/
motivate, give an idea
To make someone want to do or create something.
Core difference
"Encourage" means cheering someone on and boosting their confidence: "My coach encouraged me to run again." "Inspire" means lighting a fire in someone — sparking new motivation or ideas: "Her story inspired me to start a business."
Translations of encourage and inspire in 14 languages
| Language | encourage | inspire |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어 | 격려하다, 권장하다 | 영감을 주다, 자극하다 |
| English | support, urge | motivate, give an idea |
| 简体中文 | 鼓励，激励 | 激励，给予灵感 |
| 繁體中文 | 鼓勵，激勵 | 激勵，給予靈感 |
| 日本語 | 励ます、勧める | 刺激を与える、霊感を与える |
| Tiếng Việt | khuyến khích, động viên | truyền cảm hứng |
| Português | encorajar, incentivar | inspirar |
| Français | encourager | inspirer |
| Deutsch | ermutigen | inspirieren, anregen |
| Español | animar, alentar | inspirar |
| Монгол | урамшуулах, дэмжих | урам зориг өгөх |
| Bahasa Indonesia | mendorong, menyemangati | menginspirasi, membangkitkan semangat |
| Bahasa Melayu | menggalakkan, memberi semangat | memberi inspirasi, menyemarakkan |
| ไทย | ให้กำลังใจ, สนับสนุน | ให้แรงบันดาลใจ |
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