Inklingo

How to Say "energetic" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “energetic” is “activo” — use 'activo' when describing someone who is physically engaged and maintains an active lifestyle, often through exercise.

activo🔊A1

Use 'activo' when describing someone who is physically engaged and maintains an active lifestyle, often through exercise.

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enérgico🔊A2

Choose 'enérgico' to describe a person who is full of life, spirit, and vigor, often in a way that is noticeable and impactful.

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energético🔊A2

Use 'energético' when referring to something that provides energy, like a drink or food, or in a more general sense of having energy.

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dinámico🔊A2

Employ 'dinámico' to describe someone with a lively, active, and often proactive personality, always engaged in various activities.

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vitales🔊B2

Use 'vitales' to describe people who possess a great deal of vitality and liveliness, especially when emphasizing their enduring spirit despite age.

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English → Spanish

activo

ahk-TEE-vohakˈti.βo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'activo' when describing someone who is physically engaged and maintains an active lifestyle, often through exercise.
A drawing of a busy child running quickly while holding books and smiling, illustrating a lively and engaged person.

Examples

Mi abuelo todavía es muy activo y hace ejercicio todos los días.

My grandfather is still very active and exercises every day.

Necesitamos un plan activo para resolver el problema rápidamente.

We need an active plan to solve the problem quickly.

Ella es una ciudadana muy activa en su comunidad.

She is a very active citizen in her community.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'activo' must match the thing it describes. If you are describing a female noun (like 'persona'), use 'activa'. If it's plural (like 'niños'), use 'activos'.

Confusing Form

Mistake: “La persona está activo.”

Correction: La persona está activa. (Always match the gender of the noun.)

enérgico

eh-NEHR-hee-koeˈneɾxiko

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'enérgico' to describe a person who is full of life, spirit, and vigor, often in a way that is noticeable and impactful.
A vibrant yellow puppy jumping high in the air with a wagging tail and bright eyes.

Examples

Mi abuelo es un hombre muy enérgico.

My grandfather is a very energetic man.

Necesitamos un líder enérgico para este proyecto.

We need an energetic leader for this project.

Damos un paseo enérgico todas las mañanas.

We take a brisk walk every morning.

Changing for Gender

Since this word ends in '-o', it must change to '-a' when describing something feminine: 'una mujer enérgica' (an energetic woman).

Where to Put It

In Spanish, you usually put 'enérgico' after the noun you are describing, like 'un ejercicio enérgico'.

Enérgico vs. Energético

Mistake: “Bebida enérgica.”

Correction: Bebida energética. Use 'energético' for things related to energy sources or fuel, and 'enérgico' for people's behavior or strength.

energético

en-er-HE-tee-koeneɾˈxetiko

adjectiveA2general
Use 'energético' when referring to something that provides energy, like a drink or food, or in a more general sense of having energy.
A vibrant bowl of fresh fruit, nuts, and a glass of orange juice on a wooden table.

Examples

Necesito una bebida energética antes de ir al gimnasio.

I need an energy drink before going to the gym.

Los frutos secos tienen un alto valor energético.

Nuts have a high energy value (high in calories).

Este desayuno es muy energético.

This breakfast is very high-energy.

Calories vs. Energy

In Spanish, when talking about food labels, 'valor energético' is the standard way to say 'calories' or 'energy content.'

Energético vs. Enérgico

Mistake: “Mi jefe es muy energético.”

Correction: Mi jefe es muy enérgico.

dinámico

dee-NAH-mee-kohdiˈnamiko

adjectiveA2general
Employ 'dinámico' to describe someone with a lively, active, and often proactive personality, always engaged in various activities.
A cheerful person jumping high in the air with bright sparks of light and vibrant colors swirling around them.

Examples

Juan es un chico muy dinámico; siempre está haciendo algo.

Juan is a very dynamic guy; he is always doing something.

Buscamos empleados dinámicos para nuestra nueva tienda.

We are looking for energetic employees for our new store.

Su estilo de liderazgo es dinámico y motivador.

Their leadership style is dynamic and motivating.

Changing the Ending

This word changes its last letter to match the gender of the person you are describing. Use 'dinámico' for men and 'dinámica' for women.

Using it with 'to be'

Usually, we use this word with 'ser' (to be) because it describes a person's character or personality rather than a temporary mood.

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: “Ella es muy dinámico.”

Correction: Ella es muy dinámica. Because the person is female, the ending must change to 'a'.

vitales

bee-TAH-lehsbiˈtales

adjectiveB2general
Use 'vitales' to describe people who possess a great deal of vitality and liveliness, especially when emphasizing their enduring spirit despite age.
A happy child jumping high in the air with arms outstretched in a bright, sunny meadow.

Examples

A pesar de su edad, mis abuelos son personas muy vitales.

Despite their age, my grandparents are very energetic people.

Describing People

When used with the verb 'ser' (to be), it describes a personality trait of being naturally energetic.

Activo vs. Enérgico

Learners often confuse 'activo' and 'enérgico'. Remember that 'activo' specifically relates to being physically active or engaged in activities, while 'enérgico' describes a person's general state of vitality and spirit. You can be 'enérgico' without being constantly 'activo'.

Related Translations

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