Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Healthy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "healthy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
元気な
げんきな (genki na)
N4 / 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 元気な and 達者.
In Japanese, 元気な (げんきな (genki na)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "元気な"
彼はいつも元気な子供です。
He is always an energetic child.
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 ＿＿＿ 子供です。" (Meaning: "He is always an energetic child.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "元気な" fits here because it means "healthy, energetic, lively" in the context of: "He is always an energetic child.". "達者" represents "healthy, robust; skillful, proficient".