鼓舞 (gǔwǔ) — to inspire; to encourage; inspiring
HSK 5 | verb/noun | to uplift and motivate someone through an energising or moving influence
鼓舞 (gǔwǔ)
鼓舞 means to inspire, encourage, or uplift someone, bringing about a heightened sense of motivation and energy, and is widely used in speeches, narratives, and motivational contexts at B2 level.
Meanings
- [verb] to inspire; to encourage; to uplift; to hearten
- [noun] inspiration; encouragement; an uplifting influence
- [adjective] inspiring; heartening (used in 令人鼓舞 constructions)
Example Sentences
英雄们的事迹极大地鼓舞了全国人民的士气。 Yīngxióngmen de shìjì jídà de gǔwǔle quánguó rénmín de shìqì. The deeds of the heroes greatly inspired the morale of the people throughout the country.
老师一句真诚的鼓励深深鼓舞了这位学生，让他重拾了信心。 Lǎoshī yī jù zhēnchéng de gǔlì shēnshēn gǔwǔle zhè wèi xuéshēng, ràng tā chóng shíle xìnxīn. A sincere word of encouragement from the teacher deeply inspired this student, helping him regain his confidence.
这支球队的顽强表现令全场观众深受鼓舞。 Zhè zhī qiúduì de wánqiáng biǎoxiàn lìng quánchǎng guānzhòng shēn shòu gǔwǔ. The tenacious performance of this team deeply inspired all the spectators.
经济增长的最新数据令人鼓舞，显示出复苏势头正在加强。 Jīngjì zēngzhǎng de zuìxīn shùjù lìng rén gǔwǔ, xiǎnshì chū fùsū shìtóu zhèngzài jiāqiáng. The latest economic growth data is encouraging, showing that the momentum of recovery is strengthening.
她的演讲充满激情，鼓舞了在场的每一位年轻创业者。 Tā de yǎnjiǎng chōngmǎn jīqíng, gǔwǔle zàichǎng de měi yī wèi niánqīng chuàngyèzhě. Her speech was full of passion and inspired every young entrepreneur present.
逆境中的坚守往往最能鼓舞后来人。 Nìjìng zhōng de jiānshǒu wǎngwǎng zuì néng gǔwǔ hòu lái rén. Steadfastness in adversity is often the most inspiring thing for those who come after.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 令人鼓舞 (lìng rén gǔwǔ) | inspiring; heartening |
| 深受鼓舞 (shēn shòu gǔwǔ) | be deeply inspired |
| 鼓舞士气 (gǔwǔ shìqì) | inspire/boost morale |
| 鼓舞人心 (gǔwǔ rénxīn) | inspiring; heartening to people |
| 受到鼓舞 (shòudào gǔwǔ) | receive inspiration/encouragement |
| 极大鼓舞 (jídà gǔwǔ) | greatly inspire |
Usage Notes
鼓舞 is more emotionally charged and energetic than 鼓励 (gǔlì, to encourage), which is the more everyday word for encouragement. 鼓舞 implies an uplifting, almost exhilarating sense of motivation, often used for collective inspiration (boosting morale of groups, nations, or teams), while 鼓励 is more personal and can be used for gentle, daily encouragement.
The set phrase 令人鼓舞 (inspiring) and 鼓舞人心 (heartening/inspiring to people) are extremely common in news and official language to describe positive developments.
Memory Hook
鼓 (drum -- beating the drum to rally troops) + 舞 (to dance/wave) = beating the drum and making people dance with energy -- to inspire and uplift.