Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| énergique | /e.nɛʁ.ʒik/ |
| énergétique | /e.nɛʁ.ʒe.tik/ |
The term énergique is used to describe a person's character or vitality. If you want to describe someone as lively, cheerful or vivid, you might also use terms like enjoué(e) or vif/vive.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between énergique and énergétique. While énergique describes a person's vitality, énergétique is a technical or scientific term relating to energy in a physical sense, such as energy consumption or resources.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective énergique is the same in both its masculine and feminine forms.
How do you pronounce it?
The word énergique has 3 syllables and is pronounced /e.nɛʁ.ʒik/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using énergétique to describe a person's high-spirited personality. This is a common error for English speakers. Use énergétique only when discussing topics such as energy efficiency or energy production.
Did you know?
- If you want to describe an energetic person who is also particularly cheerful and bubbly, a French speaker might prefer the word pétillant, which literally means 'sparkling' like champagne.
- The word énergétique is a learned borrowing from the Ancient Greek word ἐνεργητικός.
- In a professional context, calling a manager énergique can sometimes be a polite euphemism for someone who is overly demanding or aggressive.
Examples in context
- Il n'est pas aussi énergique qu'il l'était.He isn't as energetic as he once was.This sentence is useful for expressing a comparison of how energetic someone used to be with the form énergique.Tatoeba #131331 by Aiji, translation #292552 by CM
- À cette époque, il était encore fort et énergique.In those days, he was still strong and energetic.This sentence is useful for describing someone as being both strong and energetic with the form énergique.Tatoeba #12728974 by lbdx, translation #279924 by CM
- Comment se fait-il que vous soyez toujours aussi énergique ?How come you're always so energetic?This sentence is useful for asking someone why they are always so energetic with the form énergique.Tatoeba #1015811 by sacredceltic, translation #853024 by LittleBoy
- La danseuse était extrêmement énergique sur scène.The dancer was extremely energetic on stage.
- Notre nouvelle collègue est vraiment dynamique, elle apporte beaucoup d'énergie à l'équipe.Our new colleague is really energetic, she brings a lot of energy to the team.
- Mon fils est toujours enjoué le matin.My son is always lively in the morning.
- La jeune chanteuse a une voix vive et énergique.The young singer has a vivid and energetic voice.
- Elle a un sourire pétillant qui transmet beaucoup d'énergie.She has a sparkling smile that conveys a lot of energy.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing a new puppy.
- EmmaRegarde ce chiot, il est vraiment énergique !Look at this puppy, he is really energetic!
- NathanOui, il n'arrête pas de courir partout.Yes, he doesn't stop running everywhere.
- EmmaC'est fatigant, mais c'est très mignon.It's tiring, but it's very cute.
- NathanNathan aime les chiens énergiques comme lui.Nathan likes energetic dogs like him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “energetic” translations and entries énergique, énergétique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries énergique, énergétique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
