Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Energetic in Spanish: Enérgico / Enérgica

Enérgico · adjective · eh-NEHR-hee-koh

The Spanish adjective 'enérgico' (masculine) or 'enérgica' (feminine) means energetic, describing someone or something full of energy and vitality. It can also describe a forceful or decisive action. The word 'activo' serves as an alternative when emphasizing liveliness or an active lifestyle.

Pronounce it eh-NEHR-hee-koh, with the stress on the second syllable. The 'g' before 'i' makes an 'h' sound in Spanish, similar to the 'h' in English 'he.'

Los niños están muy enérgicos después del recreo.

The children are very energetic after recess.

Energetic in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for energetic, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

SpanishEnglishPronunciationRegion / Register
enérgicoenergeticeh-NEHR-hee-kohDefault, widely understood
enérgicaenergeticfeminine form
activoenergeticalternative meaning lively or active

How Native Speakers Use Enérgico

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Describing a person

Mi abuela es una mujer muy enérgica a pesar de su edad.

My grandmother is a very energetic woman despite her age.

Complimenting an older person's vitality.

Work ethic

Necesitamos un líder enérgico para este proyecto.

We need an energetic leader for this project.

Discussing qualities needed for a role.

Morning routine

Después de hacer ejercicio, me siento más enérgico durante todo el día.

After exercising, I feel more energetic throughout the entire day.

Talking about the benefits of exercise.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Enérgico

Gender agreement error

Incorrect: La presentación fue muy enérgico.

Correct: La presentación fue muy enérgica.

'Presentación' is feminine, so the adjective must take the feminine form 'enérgica' to agree in gender.

Confusing with energético

Incorrect: Las bebidas enérgicas son populares.

Correct: Las bebidas energéticas son populares.

'Enérgico' describes people or actions, while 'energético' relates to energy content or energy-producing qualities, such as 'bebida energética' (energy drink).

Lock in Energetic Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Enérgico used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using enérgico in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Los niños están muy enérgicos después del recreo. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Energetic in Spanish

What is the difference between enérgico and energético?
'Enérgico' describes a person or action that is vigorous and full of energy, while 'energético' relates to energy as a physical property, like 'valor energético' (energy value) on food labels.
How do you say energy in Spanish?
The noun 'energía' means energy, and it is feminine, as in 'Tiene mucha energía' (She has a lot of energy).
Can enérgico describe things other than people?
'Enérgico' can also describe actions, speeches, or responses that are forceful and determined, as in 'una respuesta enérgica' (a forceful response) or 'un discurso enérgico' (an energetic speech).