励み
Meanings
1
encouragement; incentive; stimulus
Something that motivates or encourages a person; often used in the pattern 〜になる to mean 'becomes a source of encouragement'.
The teacher's words were a great encouragement.
My friend's success is an incentive for me.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉が〈人〉の励みになるfor something to become an encouragement/incentive for someone
Her children's smiles are a source of encouragement for the mother.
- 〈事〉を励みにするto use something as motivation/encouragement
I want to use this failure as motivation and try harder next time.