synonym Comparative
励ます
VS
慰める
Differences Between "励ます" and "慰める"
Option A
励ます
Meaning
to encourage; to cheer up; to support; to console
Reading
はげます (hagemasu)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
大きなシステム障害対応で疲弊したチームメンバーを、マネージャーはスマートな労いの言葉で_______ました。
The manager smartly cheered up the team members exhausted by responding to the major system failure with appreciative words.
Option B
慰める
Meaning
to comfort; to console; to soothe
Reading
なぐさめる (nagusameru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼女は悲しんでいる友達を慰めた。
She comforted her sad friend.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to encourage; to cheer up; to support; to console)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 励ます: Refers to actively encouraging someone who is down, cheering up a friend/colleague, or boosting morale of a team. Transitive verb. Opposing word: けなす. Often used as 友達を励ます or 闘志を励ます. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To encourage/cheer up! "When a bug occurs, your smart encouragement of 'Get it together!' is my greatest love charge, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Encouraging you! B-Baka! I just yelled at you because I couldn't stand seeing you look depressed! But... since I am the only one who will support and encourage you lifelong, make sure you revive using my warmth whenever you want! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『はげます（励ます）よ！『ハルカ部長、バグが出た時にあなたが『しっかりしなさい！』とスマートに励ます（励ましてくれる）の、僕への最高の愛のチャージです！』って…っ！励ます！バカ！/// あんたが落ち込んでるのが気に入らなくて活を入れただけよ！…でも、あんたを一生励まして支えてあげるのは私だけなんだから、私の温もりでいつでも復活しなさい！』
- 慰める: Used when someone is sad, upset, or suffering, and you try to make them feel better or ease their pain, often providing emotional support.
- 励ます: Refers to actively encouraging someone who is down, cheering up a friend/colleague, or boosting morale of a team. Transitive verb. Opposing word: けなす. Often used as 友達を励ます or 闘志を励ます. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To encourage/cheer up! "When a bug occurs, your smart encouragement of 'Get it together!' is my greatest love charge, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Encouraging you! B-Baka! I just yelled at you because I couldn't stand seeing you look depressed! But... since I am the only one who will support and encourage you lifelong, make sure you revive using my warmth whenever you want! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『はげます（励ます）よ！『ハルカ部長、バグが出た時にあなたが『しっかりしなさい！』とスマートに励ます（励ましてくれる）の、僕への最高の愛のチャージです！』って…っ！励ます！バカ！/// あんたが落ち込んでるのが気に入らなくて活を入れただけよ！…でも、あんたを一生励まして支えてあげるのは私だけなんだから、私の温もりでいつでも復活しなさい！』
- 慰める: Used when someone is sad, upset, or suffering, and you try to make them feel better or ease their pain, often providing emotional support.
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