Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Healthy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "healthy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
元気
げんき (genki)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
元気な
げんきな (genki na)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "healthy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 元気 and 元気な.
In Japanese, 元気 (げんき (genki)) is typically associated with "healthy; energetic; fine" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A na-adjective. Used to ask/state about someone's well-being or energy level. Common greeting: 「お元気ですか？」.
On the other hand, 元気な (げんきな (genki na)) maps to "healthy, energetic, lively" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A `na`-adjective used to describe a person's good health, high spirits, or energy. Can also be used as a greeting. A literal translation of "healthy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "元気"
彼はいつも元気です。
He is always energetic.
Bilingual Context for "元気な"
彼はいつも元気な子供です。
He is always an energetic child.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "He is always energetic.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "元気" fits here because it means "healthy; energetic; fine" in the context of: "He is always energetic.". "元気な" represents "healthy, energetic, lively".