poca energía
/poka eneɾxia/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for low energy is poca energía.
This phrase is used to describe a lack of physical or mental vitality and strength.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to little energy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because energía is a feminine noun, the adjective poco must change to the feminine form poca.
Did you know?
- While poca energía is the literal translation, Spanish speakers often say no tengo pilas to express low energy. This literally means 'I have no batteries' and treats the human body like an electronic device.
- If you are describing a person with a dull or low-energy personality, you might use the word apagado, which literally means 'extinguished' or 'turned off' like a light.
- If someone has 'low energy' due to a sudden crash or exhaustion, they might say estoy fundido. This comes from the verb for melting or fusing metal, suggesting they have burned out completely.
Examples in context
- Después de trabajar todo el día, tengo poca energía para salir esta noche.After working all day, I have low energy to go out tonight.
- Estoy sin pilas después del entrenamiento intenso.I'm exhausted after the intense workout.
- No tengo ganas de hacer nada, estoy hecho/a polvo.I don't feel like doing anything, I'm worn out.
- Me siento con poca energía hoy.I feel low energy today.
- Hoy tengo poca energía.Today I have low energy.
- Siento que tengo poca energía después de trabajar.I feel like I have low energy after working.
- No puedo ir al gimnasio, tengo poca energía.I can't go to the gym, I have low energy.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking at home in the evening.
- Daniel¿Quieres salir a caminar, Elena?Do you want to go for a walk, Elena?
- ElenaNo puedo, Daniel, tengo poca energía hoy.I can't, Daniel, I have low energy today.
- DanielLo siento, descansa un poco.I'm sorry, rest a little.
- ElenaGracias, necesito dormir.Thanks, I need to sleep.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
