How to say "vitality" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 活力かつりょくnounThe general word for vitality as energy and dynamism; it fits people, groups, and activities that are lively and vigorous, and is the default choice for most senses of 'vitality'.
- 気力きりょくnounCovers vitality as mental energy — the will or drive to do things — rather than physical vigor; think of it first as 'willpower', chosen when the emphasis is on the spirit to keep going.
- 心しんnounPrimarily means heart, mind, or spirit; the 'vitality' sense is marginal, so this is seldom the word you want for 'vitality' — choose it only when heart or mind is meant.
- nounA katakana loanword naming vitality itself; it covers much the same ground as 活力 and is chosen when the borrowed term is wanted, often for a person's robust, energetic vitality.
- 生命力せいめいりょくnounVitality as life force: the power of a living thing to live, grow, and endure. It also works figuratively for the staying power of things such as organizations or traditions.
Use 活力 for energy and dynamism in general, 気力 for the will to act, 生命力 for life force and endurance, 「バイタリティ」 when the loanword is wanted, and avoid 心 except for heart or mind.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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