Translation guide
The English word 'spur' has several distinct meanings: a spike on a boot for riding a horse, something that motivates or stimulates action, and a sharp projection on a bird's leg or a mountain ridge. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing something that encourages, motivates, or prompts action or development.
A general term for stimulus or stimulation, often used for something that spurs action or growth.
Competition serves as a spur to economic growth.
Literally 'spur' (as in riding), but commonly used metaphorically to mean something that accelerates or stimulates a process. Often used in the phrase 拍車をかける (to spur on).
The incident spurred on the reforms.
Refers to motivation or the act of motivating, often used in psychological or educational contexts.
The experience of success became a spur for him.
Encouragement or incentive; something that gives one emotional support to continue.
Everyone's support was a spur to me.
Literally 'detonator', used figuratively for something that triggers or spurs a sudden change or action.
That remark acted as a spur to the discussion.
Referring to the metal spike worn on a rider's boot to urge a horse forward.
The standard term for a riding spur.
He put spurs to his horse.
Referring to a sharp, pointed part on an animal's leg or a geographical feature.
Both can mean 'spur' in a figurative sense. 刺激 is a general stimulus, while 拍車 implies acceleration or intensification, often with the phrase 拍車をかける (to spur on). 拍車 is more vivid and action-oriented.
The new policy gave a stimulus to the economy.
The new policy spurred on the economy.
A spur of the mountain extends to the lake.