Korean word

생기

Pronunciation

Romanizationsaenggi

Meaning

  • nounvitality

Example

조금 쉬었더니 얼굴에 생기가 돌았다.cho geum swi eot tteo ni eol gu re saeng gi ga to rat tta

After resting a little, my face came alive again.

Illustration for 생기 (vitality)

More examples

그는 늘 생기가 넘친다.keu neun neul saeng gi ga neom chin da

He is always full of life.

Core concept

A healthy glow and lively expression that make a person's face look full of life.

Common phrases

  • 얼굴에 생기가 돌다eol gu re saeng gi ga tol da

    one's face glow with vitality

  • 생기가 넘치다saeng gi ga neom chi da

    be full of vitality

  • 생기가 나다saeng gi ga na da

    look lively

Similar words

기운kiun: The inner strength needed for physical activity or mental effort.
활기hwalgi: An energetic quality that brings life and movement to people or places.
혈색hyeolsaek: A person's facial color as a sign of physical condition.

Definition in Korean

얼굴빛에 혈색이 돌거나 표정이 활기 있어 보이는 상태를 가리키는 명사.eol gul bi che hyeol sae gi tol geo na pyo jeong i hwal gi i sseo po i neun sang tae reul ka ri ki neun myeong sa

Word origin

The word comes from Sino-Korean elements meaning life and vital energy, which explains its link to a lively appearance.

Usage tips

  • Korean often uses this noun for liveliness that can be seen in a person's face or expression, not just for physical strength or effort.

Other meanings

  • energynoun

Opposites

  • 무기력mugiryeoklistlessnessnoun

Related words

  • 생기발랄하다saenggiballalhadalivelyadjective
  • 생기있다saenggiitttafull of lifeadjective

Word lists with this word