Translation guide
The English word 'vigorous' describes something done with energy, force, or robust health. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on whether you mean physical energy, mental liveliness, strong growth, or forceful action. This guide organizes the most natural Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
Describing a person, action, or atmosphere that is lively, spirited, and full of energy.
The most common and versatile word for 'energetic' or 'lively'. Used for people, animals, and general well-being. Can also describe an atmosphere.
彼はとても元気な子供だ。
He is a very vigorous child.
元気に走り回っている。
They are running around vigorously.
Means 'active' or 'lively', often used for people, discussions, or economic activity. Emphasizes proactive energy.
彼女はクラスで一番活発な生徒だ。
She is the most vigorous student in the class.
活発な議論が交わされた。
A vigorous debate took place.
Describes someone who works with great energy and stamina. Often used for tireless effort.
彼は精力的に活動している。
He is working vigorously.
Describing physical strength, robust health, or strong growth of plants.
Describes a sturdy, robust physique or strong, vigorous growth. Often used for well-built bodies or thriving plants.
たくましい体つきの男性。
A man with a vigorous physique.
雑草がたくましく生えている。
Weeds are growing vigorously.
A formal, somewhat literary term for robust health, often used for older people.
Describing actions that are done with great force, intensity, or determination.
Means 'intense', 'violent', or 'fierce'. Used for vigorous exercise, arguments, or natural phenomena.
激しい運動の後は水分補給が必要だ。
You need to hydrate after vigorous exercise.
彼らは計画に激しく反対した。
They vigorously opposed the plan.
Means 'fierce' or 'tremendous'. Used for very vigorous, almost aggressive effort or speed.
Emphasizing that a denial or statement is made strongly and with conviction.
The standard way to say 'vigorously deny'. The adverb 強く (strongly) combines with 否定する (deny).
彼はその疑惑を強く否定した。
He vigorously denied the allegations.
Means to deny flatly or categorically. きっぱり is an adverb meaning 'clearly' or 'decisively'.
彼女は関与をきっぱりと否定した。
She vigorously denied any involvement.
English often uses 'vigorous' as a premodifier (e.g., 'vigorous exercise', 'vigorous debate'). In Japanese, it is more natural to use an adverb + verb construction or a relative clause. For example, 'vigorous exercise' becomes 激しい運動 (intense exercise) rather than a literal adjective-noun pair.
My grandfather is the picture of vigorous health.
Literally 'powerful' or 'forceful'. Describes a vigorous, confident action or manner.
彼は力強く握手した。
He gave a vigorous handshake.
猛烈な勢いで仕事を片付けた。
He finished the work with vigorous speed.