積極 / 积极
jījí
The English word energetic can be translated into Chinese as 積極 / 积极 (jījí) or 有活力.
Meaning: possessing, exerting, or displaying energy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 積極 / 积极 | jījí |
| 有活力 | yǒu huólì |
In Chinese, the term used depends on whether you are describing a person's attitude or their physical energy. 積極 / 积极 is most often used to describe a proactive, positive or enthusiastic attitude toward tasks. 有活力 is used to describe physical or vital energy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 有活力 is composed of 有 (to have) and 活力 (vitality/vigor/life force).
Which one should you use?
While both terms can be translated as energetic, 積極 / 积极 focuses on being proactive or positive in one's approach, whereas 有活力 describes possessing physical vitality or vigor.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, 积极 can be preceded by the adverb 很 (hěn) to mean 'very energetic/proactive' (很积极).
How do you pronounce it?
jījí
Did you know?
- The term 活力 is closely related to the concept of 氣 or 'qi', the traditional belief in a vital energy flow that sustains the body.
- The phrase 有活力 is often used to describe the 'vibe' of a city or a street, not just a person, implying the location itself possesses a life force.
- While 'energetic' in English is often a compliment, using 積極 / 积极 to describe someone who is overly eager to do something can sometimes carry a hint of being 'too pushy'. Context determines if it is a sincere praise or a subtle critique of their intensity.
Examples in context
- 他是个精力充沛的年轻人。He is a young man full of energy.
- 这个城市非常生机勃勃。This city is full of vitality.
- 她的表现总是充满活力。Her performances are always full of energy.
- 她每天早上起床都是精神饱满的。She wakes up every morning full of energy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “energetic” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
