1.
lively, vivid, animated, full of life
Describes something or someone that appears energetic, vibrant, or lifelike.
生き生きとした表情。
A lively expression.
彼女は仕事をしているとき生き生きしている。
She comes alive when she's working.
子供たちが生き生きと遊んでいる。
The children are playing with great energy.
生き生き is a reduplicated onomatopoeic word describing vitality, energy, or vividness. It suggests something full of life and naturally vibrant rather than artificially energetic.
FORMS:
- 生き生きと + verb: used adverbially
- 生き生きとした + noun: used as a modifier
- 生き生きする: to be lively, to come alive
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 生き生きとした表情: a lively expression
- 生き生きと暮らす: to live vibrantly
- 生き生きと描く: to depict vividly
- 目が生き生きしている: one's eyes are sparkling with life
USAGE:
Applies to people, descriptions, artwork, and writing. Often contrasts with a previous dull or lifeless state — someone who was tired now looks 生き生きしている.