エネルギー
enerugī[e̞ne̞ɾɯ̟ɡʲiː]
In Japanese, the word for energy is エネルギー (enerugī). Wiktionary also lists 能力 (nōryoku) and 運動量 (undōryō).
Meaning: capacity to do work (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| エネルギー | enerugī | [e̞ne̞ɾɯ̟ɡʲiː] (narrow) |
| 能力 | nōryoku | [no̞ːɾʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 運動量 | undōryō | [ɯ̟̃ndo̞ːɾʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
Use エネルギー when referring to physical energy, scientific energy or energy resources like electricity or solar power. In a colloquial sense, エネルギー can also refer to a person's vigor or enthusiasm, similar to 'high energy' in English.
Which one should you use?
While エネルギー is the standard loanword for scientific or resource-based energy, other terms exist for specific contexts: 能力 refers to ability or capacity and 運動量 refers to momentum.
How do you pronounce it?
enerugī
Did you know?
- The pronunciation of エネルギー is influenced by German rather than English. While English speakers say 'energy', the Japanese katakana transcription reflects the German 'Energie'.
- The term エネルギー is often used in Japanese media to discuss 'energy saving' as 省エネ (shō-ene), a common abbreviation for 'energy saving' (energy conservation).
- In Japanese, the concept of 'energy' can be deeply tied to the word 気 (ki), which relates to 'spirit' or 'vital force'. This single character is the root for many concepts involving invisible energy, such as 'mood' or 'attention'.
Examples in context
- 近い将来エネルギー危機が起こるだろう。There will be an energy crisis in the near future.This sentence uses エネルギー to discuss an energy crisis.Tatoeba #179895 by wat, translation #18754 by Zifre
- その家は太陽エネルギーで暖房されている。The house is heated by solar energy.This sentence uses エネルギー in the context of solar energy.Tatoeba #212067 by arnab, translation #49345 by CK
- 新しいエネルギーを開発しなくてはならない。We need to develop a new kind of energy.This sentence uses エネルギー regarding the development of new energy sources.Tatoeba #145504 by bunbuku, translation #269059 by CK
- エネルギーの代替手段について話しましょう。Let's talk about alternative energy sources.
- エネルギーの節約は重要です。Energy conservation is crucial.
- 彼の気力に感銘を受けました。I was impressed by his mental energy.
- 元気？How are you?
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their daily fatigue levels at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto最近、仕事のエネルギーが足りないんだ。Saikin, shigoto no enerugii ga tarinai n da.Lately, I haven't had enough energy for work.
- 美咲 Misakiしっかり休んで、エネルギーを補給してね。Shikkari yasunde, enerugii o hokyuu shite ne.Make sure to rest well and replenish your energy.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね、今日は早く帰るよ。Sou da ne, kyou wa hayaku kaeru yo.You're right, I'll go home early today.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くん、無理は禁物だよ。Hiroto-kun, muri wa kinmotsu da yo.Hiroto, don't overdo it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “energy” translations and entries エネルギー, 能力, 運動量, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries エネルギー, 運動量, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
