How to say "spirited" in Japanese

• 気鋭きえいCommon
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'spirited' in the sense of keen, energetic drive; it describes people, especially young, up-and-coming ones, so a typical context is praising a promising young researcher or artist.
• 元気げんきJLPT N5approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounThe natural word for 'spirited' meaning lively and full of energy: a lively child, an energetic dog, or a person brimming with vigor all call for this word.

For lively, energetic people, children, or animals, 元気 is the natural choice; 気鋭 instead captures the keen, driving spirit attributed to a young, up-and-coming person such as a researcher or critic.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 気鋭きえいspirited
• 元気げんきlively
• 勃々ぼつぼつspirited
• 男勝りおとこまさり(of a woman) strong-minded
• かいがいしいbrisk and efficient
• 勇み肌いさみはだgallant
• 骨っぽいほねっぽいbony
• 明るいあかるいcheerful
• ぱりぱりspirited
• 活きがいいいきがいいlively
• 活きのいいいきのいいlively