Usage of 鼓励
The verb 鼓励 (gǔlì) means "to encourage" or "to motivate." It is commonly used in contexts where someone is giving support or motivation to another person to do something positive or challenging.
Common contexts
鼓励 is often used in educational, familial, and workplace settings. For example, teachers 鼓励 students to study harder, parents 鼓励 children to be confident, and companies 鼓励 employees to innovate.
Collocations and patterns
- 鼓励 + 人 + 动词 (e.g., 鼓励学生努力学习): Encouraging someone to do an action.
- 鼓励 + 名词 (e.g., 鼓励创新): Encouraging a concept or behavior.
Nuance and register
鼓励 is a positive and polite term, suitable for formal and informal situations. It implies active support and motivation rather than mere permission or suggestion.
Common confusion
Don't confuse 鼓励 with 支持 (support). 鼓励 focuses more on motivation and encouragement, while 支持 can mean financial or practical support.