1.
vigor, spirits, energy, vitality
Mental and physical energy or vitality, especially in the context of refreshing oneself in preparation for future challenges. Most commonly used in the set phrase 英気を養う (to recharge one's energy).
温泉で英気を養った。
I recharged my energy at the hot springs.
明日の試合に備えて英気を養おう。
Let's recharge our energy in preparation for tomorrow's match.
長期休暇をとって英気を養い、リフレッシュした状態で仕事に復帰した。
I took a long vacation to recharge my energy and returned to work feeling refreshed.
USAGE:
Almost always appears in the fixed expression 英気を養う (to recharge one's energy/spirits). Implies resting and refreshing oneself before tackling an important task or challenge ahead.
KEY PATTERN:
- 英気を養う: to recharge one's energy, to restore one's vitality
NOTE:
Not to be confused with 鋭気 (sharp spirit, keenness), which has the same reading but different nuance.