1.
to be listless; to lack energy; to look down
Describes a state of being low in energy or spirits. Used about people, animals, or even plants that appear droopy or unwell.
今日は元気がないね。
You seem down today.
犬が元気がなくて心配だ。
I'm worried because the dog seems listless.
このところ彼は元気がなくて、食欲もないらしい。
He's been feeling down lately and apparently has no appetite either.
A very common everyday expression describing someone who lacks their usual energy or cheerfulness. It can range from physical tiredness to emotional low spirits. The subject is typically a person or animal observed by the speaker.
USAGE:
Often used when noticing that someone seems unwell, sad, or subdued. Frequently appears in concerned questions or observations about others.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 元気がない様子 — appearing listless
- どうしたの、元気がないね — what's wrong, you seem down
- 最近元気がない — has been low-spirited lately
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 気が沈む — to feel depressed; focuses more on mood than outward appearance
- ぐったりする — to be exhausted, limp; implies physical exhaustion or collapse
- しょんぼりする — to be dejected, crestfallen; emphasizes visible sadness