encourage · strive

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 励 has seven strokes, the on-reading れい, and the kun-readings はげむ and はげます.
• Basic usage: It describes applying oneself to an activity and encouraging someone else to keep going.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Applying oneself and encouraging someone
  • 励む(はげむ) describes applying oneself to pronunciation practice or training.
  • 励ます(はげます) describes encouraging a dejected friend or a runner. Distinguish the source of encouragement from its recipient.
• Ways of encouraging
  • 激励(げきれい) means encouragement that bolsters someone's spirits. It can come through applause or cheers as well as words.