Translation guide
The English word 'vigour' refers to physical strength, energy, and enthusiasm. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean physical vitality, energetic activity, mental drive, or lively enthusiasm.
Describing a person's physical strength, health, and lively energy.
The most common and versatile word for physical and mental well-being, energy, and liveliness. Used in greetings and everyday conversation.
彼はいつも元気だ。
He is always full of vigour.
Refers to vitality, life force, or the energy to be active. Slightly more formal than 元気.
彼は活力にあふれている。
He is brimming with vigour.
Physical or mental energy, often with a nuance of stamina or drive. Can also imply sexual vigour in certain contexts.
彼は仕事に精力を注いでいる。
He puts his vigour into his work.
Describing actions done with force, speed, or enthusiasm.
Momentum, force, or energetic movement. Often used for physical actions or trends.
彼は勢いよくドアを開けた。
He opened the door with vigour.
Adverb meaning 'vigorously' or 'energetically', often used for sustained effort.
彼女は精力的に活動している。
She is active with vigour.
Adverbial form of 元気, meaning 'cheerfully' or 'with lively energy'.
子供たちは元気よく遊んでいる。
The children are playing with vigour.
Describing intellectual energy, forceful expression, or creative power.
Powerful impact, intensity, or forcefulness, often used for performances, art, or speech.
彼の演説には迫力があった。
His speech had vigour.
Mental energy, willpower, or spirit. Often used when talking about motivation or drive.
Life, vitality, or animation. Often used in the negative to mean 'lifeless'.
Describing a bright, spirited attitude or atmosphere.
Liveliness, energy, or bustle, often used for places, events, or groups.
市場は活気にあふれている。
The market is full of vigour.
Also used for cheerfulness and high spirits, not just physical health.
Describes a lively, spirited, and youthful energy. Often used in formal or written contexts.
元気 is the most common and covers physical/mental well-being and cheerfulness. 活力 is more about vital energy and drive, often used in formal or health contexts. 活気 refers to the lively atmosphere of a place or group.
English 'vigour' is broad; using a single Japanese word in all contexts will sound unnatural. Choose based on whether you mean physical energy, forceful action, mental intensity, or lively atmosphere.
He lost his vigour.
His face lacked vigour.
I like her vigorous smile.
彼の溌剌としたプレーが印象的だった。
His vigorous play was impressive.