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
達者
たっしゃ (tassha)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "healthy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 元気 and 達者.
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, 達者 (たっしゃ (tassha)) maps to "healthy, robust; skillful, proficient" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used to describe someone's health, particularly for older people. 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 "達者"
おじいさんは80歳だが、まだまだ達者だ。
My grandfather is 80, but still very healthy.
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.". "達者" represents "healthy, robust; skillful, proficient".