活発な
kappatsu na
The English word "active" can be translated into Japanese as 活発な (kappatsu na), meaning brisk or lively. Wiktionary also lists ぴんぴん (pinpin) and 活躍 (katsuyaku).
Meaning: brisk, lively (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 活発な | kappatsu na | |
| ぴんぴん | pinpin | [pʲĩmpʲĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 活躍 | katsuyaku | [ka̠t͡sɨja̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term 活発な is used to describe someone or something that is lively, energetic or actively involved. In a different context, the noun 活躍 is used to describe someone playing an active part or being successful in a specific field or role, such as an actor or an athlete.
What does it mean word for word?
The core of the term, 活発, is composed of the kanji 活 (life/vigor) and 発 (emit/bloom/develop).
Which one should you use?
活発な is an adjective used to describe a lively nature or state, while 活躍 is a noun used to describe someone's success or active role within a specific professional or social field. ぴんぴん is another way to express being active or lively.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverbial form of 活発な is 活発に, which means "actively".
How do you pronounce it?
kappatsu na
Did you know?
- The word ぴんぴん is an example of 'mimetic' language called 'gitaigo', which mimics a state of being rather than a sound.
- The kanji character 発 in 活発 can also be found in words meaning 'to depart' or 'to set off', suggesting that being active involves a sense of movement or outward radiation.
- While English uses 'active' to describe a person's personality, the Japanese term 活躍 (katsuyaku) shifts the meaning toward social or professional 'glory' or 'success'.
Examples in context
- 父は活発な人です。My father is an active person.This sentence is useful for describing someone as an active person using 活発な.Tatoeba #9041943 by small_snow, translation #8468460 by CN
- 彼女はビジネス会議でとてもアクティブな役割を果たしている。She plays a very active role in business meetings.
- 友達はいつも元気でアクティブな人です。My friend is always energetic and active.
- 彼女はとても活発な性格をしています。Kanojo wa totemo kappatsu na seikaku o shite imasu.She has a very lively personality.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about a new puppy.
- 健太 Kenta新しい犬はどう？Atarashii inu wa dou?How is the new dog?
- 美咲 Misakiすごく活発な犬だよ！Sugoku kappatsu na inu da yo!It's a very active dog!
- 健太 Kentaそれは楽しそうだね。Sore wa tanoshisou da ne.That sounds like fun.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、毎日疲れるけどね。Un, mainichi tsukareru kedo ne.Yeah, although I'm tired every day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “active” translations and entries ぴんぴん, 活躍, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
