The Meaning of shigeki [刺激] In Japanese

刺激
しげき
Romaji: shigeki N3

What does 刺激 mean?

Translation and Meaning

stimulus, stimulation, arousal, incentive

Definition

Stimulus or stimulation that provokes a response in a person, physically or mentally; it describes anything that arouses attention, energy, or a motive to act, across contexts from psychology to everyday life.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Primary sense as a noun: something that provokes a reaction or attention in a system or person
  • Connotation of emotional or cognitive arousal, motivation, or provocative influence
  • In everyday usage, can describe stimulating experiences, ideas, or media that grab interest

Etymology

From the Sino-Japanese compound formed by 刺 and 激, using on’yomi readings to yield shigeki; the characters individually mean to prick/stab and to excite or be intense, combined to express provoking a response.

Composition

  • 刺: to prick or stab; serves as a metaphor for a triggering action
  • 激: intense, to excite
  • Combined meaning: something that provokes a response and initiates action or attention

Usage

Used across psychology, medicine, marketing, media, and everyday conversation. In formal writing it denotes a neutral stimulus or triggering factor; in casual speech it can describe exciting experiences or provocative content. Common grammatical patterns include the noun acting as subject with respect to stimulus reception or provision, and the adjectival form describing things that are stimulating.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: visualize a sharp刺 (spear) lightly touching a person and instantly triggering激 (an intense surge of energy) in the brain, capturing how 刺激 prompts action or attention.

Variations

  • 衝撃 (しょうげき, shougeki) — shock, impact
  • 興奮 (こうふん, koufun) — excitement, arousal
  • 刺激的 (しげきてき, shigekiteki) — stimulating, provocative
  • 動機づけ (どうきづけ, doukizuke) — motivation

Words with the same Meaning

Example Phrases

  • 新しい広告が 私の 心に 刺激を 与える。
    Atarashii kōkoku ga watashi no kokoro ni shigeki o ataeru.
    The new advertisement stimulates my heart.
    Lista:
    • 新しい広告が (Atarashii kōkoku ga) – the new advertisement
    • 私の (watashi no) – my
    • 心に (kokoro ni) – to the heart
    • 刺激を (shigeki o) – stimulation
    • 与える。 (ataeru.) – to give
    Core point: 刺激 is a noun meaning ‘stimulation’; in 心に刺激を与える it means ‘to give stimulation to’ (to someone’s heart/mind). Use 「心に刺激を与える」 as the pattern.
刺激