How to Say “I am inspired” in Chinese
Feelings and opinions · HSK 4
"I am inspired" in Chinese is 我受到了启发 (Wǒ shòudào le qǐfā). 启发 (qǐfā) is intellectual inspiration; from a book, talk, or idea that taught you something. 灵感 (línggǎn) is creative inspiration for artists and writers; 'I got the idea'.
Primary translation
我受到了启发
Wǒ shòudào le qǐfā
Traditional: 我受到了啟發
Variants by register
Formal
我深受启发
Wǒ shēn shòu qǐfā
Casual
我很有灵感
Wǒ hěn yǒu línggǎn
When to use it
启发 (qǐfā) is intellectual inspiration; from a book, talk, or idea that taught you something. 灵感 (línggǎn) is creative inspiration for artists and writers; 'I got the idea'. 鼓舞 (gǔwǔ) is emotional uplift, like being inspired by a hero. Native speakers rarely say 我被启发了 passively like in English; the set pattern is 受到启发 (receive inspiration) or 给我启发 (gave me inspiration). Saying 深受启发 after a mentor's talk sounds respectful and sincere.
Example sentences
这本书给了我很多启发。
Zhè běn shū gěi le wǒ hěn duō qǐfā.
This book gave me a lot of inspiration.
听了他的演讲，我深受启发。
Tīng le tā de yǎnjiǎng, wǒ shēn shòu qǐfā.
After hearing his speech, I was deeply inspired.
我最近画画特别有灵感。
Wǒ zuìjìn huàhuà tèbié yǒu línggǎn.
I've been really inspired with my painting lately.