Translation guide
The English verb "stimulate" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical and mental arousal to economic growth. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being stimulated and how. This guide organizes the most common and useful equivalents for learners.
To make something more active, energetic, or lively; to encourage growth or development.
The most direct and versatile translation. Works for physical, mental, and economic stimulation. Often used with を.
新しい経験が子供の成長を刺激する。
New experiences stimulate children's development.
政府は景気を刺激する政策を発表した。
The government announced policies to stimulate the economy.
Means 'to make lively/active'. Good for stimulating discussion, activity, or a person's energy.
彼の質問が議論を活発にした。
His question stimulated the discussion.
Means 'to promote/accelerate'. Often used for stimulating growth, development, or economic activity. More formal than 刺激する.
この薬は髪の成長を促進する。
This medicine stimulates hair growth.
To make someone feel interested, excited, or mentally engaged.
Again the most common choice. Works for intellectual or emotional stimulation.
その本は私の好奇心を刺激した。
The book stimulated my curiosity.
Often used for stimulating appetite, interest, or curiosity. Casual and common in spoken Japanese.
その映画の予告編が興味をそそった。
The movie trailer stimulated my interest.
Means 'to stir up' or 'arouse' strong emotions like curiosity, imagination, or desire. More literary.
To cause a physical reaction in a part of the body, often through touch, electricity, or chemicals.
The standard medical/biological term.
この装置は神経を電気で刺激する。
This device stimulates nerves with electricity.
Means 'to prompt/urge'. Used for stimulating bodily functions like sweating or digestion. Often in medical contexts.
このツボを押すと発汗を促す。
Pressing this pressure point stimulates sweating.
To encourage economic growth or activity.
Common in economic news.
減税が消費を刺激する。
Tax cuts stimulate consumption.
Means 'to revitalize/activate'. Often used for stimulating local economies or industries.
新しい空港が地域経済を活性化した。
The new airport stimulated the local economy.
While 刺激する会話 is understandable, it sounds unnatural. Instead, use phrases like 興味深い会話 (interesting conversation) or 活発な議論 (lively discussion).
彼とはいつも興味深い会話ができる。
I always have stimulating conversations with him.
刺激する is the most general and can be used in almost any context. 活発にする emphasizes making something lively or active, often used for discussions or atmospheres. 促進する implies accelerating a process, commonly used for growth or economic activity.
コーヒーは脳を刺激する。
Coffee stimulates the brain.
先生の言葉が生徒たちを刺激した。
The teacher's words stimulated the students.
この薬は髪の成長を促進します。
This medicine stimulates hair growth.
その話は私の想像力を掻き立てた。
The story stimulated my imagination.