元げん気き

げ

ん

き

Common wordJLPTN5Freq.FrequencyTop 1,000

Meanings

1

na-adjective, noun

Describes a person, atmosphere, or action that is vigorous, cheerful, and full of life. Often used in greetings and well-wishes.

彼かれはいつも元げん気きで、周まわりを明あかるくする。
He is always lively and brightens up those around him.
元げん気きを出だ

し

て

、

もう

一いち

度ど

挑ちょう

戦せん

しよう

。

Cheer up and let's try again.

2

na-adjective, noun

healthy; well; in good health

Refers to physical or mental well-being. Commonly used in greetings like お元気ですか and in expressions of recovery.

おかげさまで、元げん気きになりました。
Thanks to you, I've gotten well.
毎まい日にち運うん動どうしているので、とても元げん気きです。
I exercise every day, so I'm very healthy.

Written forms

元げん気きUsage99%
Standard kanji spelling; high-frequency word.
げんきUsage1%
元げん氣きUsage<1%
search-only kanji form
Old character form; not used in modern Japanese.
ゲンキUsage<1%

Kanji

元beginning, former time, origin
気spirit, mind, air
氣spirit, mind, air

Similar words

健けん康こう
健康 is a more formal, medical term for health, while 元気 is a common, everyday word for feeling well and energetic.
活かっ発ぱつ
活発 emphasizes active, vigorous behavior, often used for children or activity levels, whereas 元気 covers both energy and general well-being.

Etymology

From Middle Chinese-derived elements 元 (origin, source) and 気 (spirit, energy), referring to one's fundamental vitality. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound has been used in Japanese for centuries to mean vigor and health.