Japanese word

元気

Pronunciation

Romajigenki

Meaning

  • na-adjectivewell

Example

今日は元気です。kyō wa gen ki de su

I feel well today.

Illustration for 元気 (well)

More examples

わたしは元気です。wa ta shi wa gen ki de su

I am well.

毎朝、犬と散歩すると元気になります。mai asa inu to san po su ru to gen ki ni na ri ma su

Walking with my dog every morning makes me feel well.

Core concept

Describes a healthy and lively condition, including feeling well and having plenty of energy.

Common phrases

  • 元気になるgen ki ni na ru

    get well

  • 元気な子gen ki na ko

    energetic child

  • 元気に働くgen ki ni hatara ku

    work energetically

Similar words

健康kenkō: Describes a condition of good physical health.
丈夫jōbu: Describes a person or body that is strong and not easily affected by illness.

Definition in Japanese

心身の状態がよく、活力に満ちていること。shin shin no jō tai ga yo ku katsu ryoku ni mi chi te i ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 元気 (genki) combines 元 (gen, "origin") and 気 (ki, "spirit or energy").

Usage tips

  • In casual conversation, 元気？ (genki?) asks whether someone is well or feeling energetic.

Other meanings

  • energeticna-adjective
  • energynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 元気さgenkisavitalitynoun
  • 元気づけるgenkizukeruencourageverb

Word lists with this word