刺激
shigeki[ɕiɡe̞kʲi]
The Japanese word for stimulus is 刺激 (shigeki).
刺激 refers to something external that elicits or influences a physiological or psychological activity or response. You can use the phrase 刺激を受ける to describe being stimulated or inspired by something, or 刺激を与える when an external factor provides stimulation to a person or a system.
Meaning: something external that elicits or influences a physiological or psychological activity or response (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun 刺激 can be transformed into an adjective meaning 'stimulating' or 'exciting' by adding the suffix -的な to create 刺激的な.
How do you pronounce it?
shigeki
Did you know?
- While 刺激 can mean psychological inspiration, it is also the standard term used to describe the 'kick' or 'sting' of spicy foods like wasabi or chili peppers.
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, 刺激的な is frequently used to describe something 'provocative' or 'risqué' in a sexual sense, rather than just intellectually stimulating.
- The kanji 激 in 刺激 contains a component originally representing a halberd, a type of polearm weapon. This implies a sense of violent or forceful impact in the way the word describes a stimulus.
Examples in context
- 日本政府は新たな経済刺激策を発表しました。The Japanese government has announced new economic stimulus measures.
- 強い刺激Strong stimulus / strong stimulation
- 強い刺激を感じました。Tsuyoi shigeki o kanjimashita.I felt a strong stimulus.
- 新しい刺激が欲しいです。Atarashii shigeki ga hoshii desu.I want some new stimulation.
- 光が視覚への刺激になります。Hikari ga shikaku e no shigeki ni narimasu.Light acts as a stimulus to the eyes.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their boring daily routines at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota毎日同じ生活で、刺激がないね。Mainichi onaji seikatsu de, shigeki ga nai ne.Every day is the same, there's no stimulus.
- 美咲 Misaki確かに、新しい刺激が必要かも。Tashika ni, atarashii shigeki ga hitsuyou kamo.True, maybe we need some new stimulation.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは、何かおすすめはある？Misaki-san wa, nanika osusume wa aru?Misaki, do you have any recommendations?
- 美咲 Misaki旅行に行くと、いい刺激になるよ。Ryokou ni iku to, ii shigeki ni naru yo.Going on a trip will be a good stimulus.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 刺激, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 刺激, CC BY-SA 4.0.
