Chinese word

精力

Pronunciation

Pinyinjīng lì

Meaning

  • nounenergy

Example

我没精力做饭。wǒ méi jīng lì zuò fàn

I don't have the energy to cook.

Illustration for 精力 (energy)

More examples

为了准备考试，他每天都花很多精力复习。wèi le zhǔn bèi kǎo shì tā měi tiān dōu huā hěn duō jīng lì fù xí

To prepare for the exam, he spends a lot of energy reviewing every day.

Core concept

The usable inner power that supports effort, concentration, and continued activity.

Common phrases

  • 花费精力huā fèi jīng lì

    spend energy

  • 没精力méi jīng lì

    have no energy

  • 恢复精力huī fù jīng lì

    regain energy

Similar words

活力huó lì: The energy and liveliness that support active living and working.
动力dòng lì: A driving force or motive that makes action or progress possible.
干劲gàn jìn: The strong willingness and enthusiasm to get a task done.
力气lì qì: The bodily strength needed to perform physical actions.

Definition in Chinese

指个体在进行日常活动或面对任务时可供调用的意志力、体力或活力。zhǐ gè tǐ zài jìn xíng rì cháng huó dòng huò miàn duì rèn wù shí kě gōng diào yòng de yì zhì lì tǐ lì huò huó lì

Word origin

The word 精力 (jīnglì, "energy") joins 精 (jīng, "essence") and 力 (lì, "strength"), so its form points to the essential strength behind purposeful activity.

Usage tips

  • English energy can refer to electricity or fuel, but this Chinese noun normally refers to a person's available capacity for work, study, exercise, or chores.

Other meanings

  • vitalitynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 精力充沛jīng lì chōng pèifull of energyidiom

Word lists with this word