Translation guide
The state of being strong, active, and full of energy; can refer to physical health, mental energy, or the lively quality of a person, place, or thing.
Describing a person's physical strength, health, and energetic nature.
The most direct and common translation for 'vitality' in the sense of physical and mental energy. Used for people, animals, and sometimes organizations.
彼は活力にあふれている。
He is full of vitality.
十分な睡眠は活力を回復させる。
Adequate sleep restores vitality.
Everyday word for being in good health and spirits. Often used in greetings and casual conversation. Slightly less formal than 活力.
おばあちゃんはまだまだ元気だ。
Grandma is still full of vitality.
元気が出る食べ物を食べよう。
Let's eat food that gives us vitality.
Literally 'life force'. Emphasizes the innate power to live and thrive. Often used in biological or philosophical contexts.
この植物は強い生命力を持っている。
This plant has strong vitality.
Refers to a lively, bustling energy, often of a place or group. More about atmosphere than individual health.
市場は活気に満ちている。
The market is full of vitality.
Describing an environment, atmosphere, or event that is energetic and vibrant.
The go-to word for a lively atmosphere. Used for cities, parties, markets, etc.
この街は活気がある。
This town has vitality.
祭りは活気にあふれていた。
The festival was brimming with vitality.
Emphasizes bustling crowds and prosperity. Often used for commercial areas or events with many people.
Formal term for a thriving, active state, often used in economic or business contexts.
Describing intellectual, artistic, or emotional vigor.
Also used for mental energy and drive. Works in both physical and psychological senses.
彼の作品は活力に満ちている。
His works are full of vitality.
Literally 'life spirit'. Refers to a lively, animated quality, often in expression or art. Can be used for people or creative works.
An adjective meaning 'energetic' or 'vigorous', often describing a person's approach to work or activity.
Describing the ability to continue or recover, often in abstract or systemic contexts.
Used metaphorically for organizations, cultures, or ideas that show resilience and enduring strength.
この伝統は今も生命力を保っている。
This tradition still retains its vitality.
Can also be used for the vigor of an economy, community, or system.
活力 (かつりょく) is more formal and often refers to a deeper, sustained energy or life force. 元気 (げんき) is the everyday word for feeling well and energetic. Use 元気 in casual conversation about health and mood; use 活力 in more abstract or formal descriptions of energy.
While 活力 can describe the energy of a place, 活気 (かっき) is much more natural for the lively atmosphere of a location or event. Using 活力 for a market or festival may sound odd.
彼女は活力にあふれている。
She is full of vitality.
その街は活気がある。
The city has a lot of vitality.
商店街は賑わいを見せている。
The shopping street shows vitality.
市場は活況を呈している。
The market is showing vitality.
Her paintings have vitality.
He is active with great vitality.
地域経済の活力を取り戻す。
Restore the vitality of the local economy.