1.
full of energy; full of life; bursting with vitality
Describes a state of being very lively, healthy, and energetic. Often used to describe children, animals, or anyone showing high spirits.
子どもたちは元気いっぱいだ。
The children are full of energy.
元気いっぱいに遊んでいる。
They are playing with great energy.
朝ごはんをしっかり食べて、元気いっぱいで学校に行った。
After eating a proper breakfast, they went to school full of energy.
A set phrase combining 元気 ('energy, health, vigor') with いっぱい ('full of'). It has a warm, positive tone and is especially common when talking about children, pets, or cheerful atmospheres. Can be used as a predicate (元気いっぱいだ) or as an adverb (元気いっぱいに).
USAGE:
As a predicate: 子どもたちは元気いっぱいだ (the children are full of energy).
As an adverbial modifier: 元気いっぱいに走り回る (to run around full of energy).
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 元気はつらつ: brimming with energy — slightly more formal, often used in advertising
- 生き生きしている: lively, vibrant — describes liveliness in a broader sense
- ピンピンしている: hale and hearty — emphasizes physical health, especially of elderly people