精神不振
jīng shén bù zhèn
Spiritless
Literally: Spirit/Mind (精神) Not (不) Uplifted/Vibrant (振)
In 15 Seconds
- Describes looking drained, sluggish, or lacking mental energy.
- Used for physical tiredness, burnout, or emotional low points.
- More descriptive and slightly more formal than just saying 'tired'.
Meaning
This phrase describes that feeling when you're physically or mentally drained, looking like you haven't slept in a week or just lost your spark. It's that 'zombie-mode' look where your energy is at zero and you're just dragging yourself along.
Key Examples
3 of 6Observing a coworker after a long night
你看上去精神不振，昨晚没睡好吗？
You look spiritless, did you not sleep well last night?
Describing yourself to a friend
我最近总是精神不振，可能是太累了。
I've been feeling spiritless lately, maybe I'm just too tired.
A doctor asking about symptoms
病人最近食欲很好，但是精神不振。
The patient has a good appetite lately, but seems spiritless.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Jingshen' (spirit/energy) is central to Chinese views on health and vitality, often linked to the balance of one's internal state. Historically, a person's outward 'spirit' was seen as a reflection of their moral and physical discipline. Today, it's a common way to discuss burnout in China's fast-paced urban life.
The 'Look' Test
This phrase is heavily based on visual cues. If someone's eyes look 'dead' or they are slouching, it's the perfect time to use it.
Don't confuse with Mental Illness
Be careful not to say `精神病` (Jīngshénbìng), which means 'mental illness' or 'crazy.' Stick to `精神不振` for temporary low energy!
In 15 Seconds
- Describes looking drained, sluggish, or lacking mental energy.
- Used for physical tiredness, burnout, or emotional low points.
- More descriptive and slightly more formal than just saying 'tired'.
What It Means
精神不振 is all about your 'vibe' and energy level. It describes a state where your spirit is sagging. You might look pale, move slowly, or have heavy eyelids. It is not just about being tired. It is about lacking that inner glow or drive. Think of a phone on 1% battery. That is exactly what this phrase captures.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a description of a person's state. You can say someone 看起来精神不振 (looks spiritless). It functions like an adjective in English. You can use it to describe yourself after a long flight. You can also use it to describe a friend who seems down. It sounds a bit more descriptive than just saying 'tired.'
When To Use It
Use it when you notice someone is off their game. It's perfect for the office after a late-night deadline. Use it when talking to a doctor about feeling sluggish. It works well when you are checking in on a friend who looks sad. It is great for those Monday mornings before the coffee kicks in. Even texting a 'sorry I'm slow, I'm just 精神不振' works perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for high-energy situations. If someone is angry or hyper, this doesn't fit. Avoid using it as a direct insult unless you're close friends. It can sound a bit clinical if you use it too much in casual gossip. Don't use it to describe a broken machine or a slow computer. It is strictly for living things with a 'spirit.'
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 精神 (spirit) is a big deal. It's linked to your overall health and 'Qi.' If your 精神 is low, people might think you are sick or overworked. There is a traditional emphasis on appearing 'spirited' and 'energetic' in public. Showing 精神不振 often prompts people to ask if you need more hot water or sleep. It’s a very common way to express concern for someone's well-being.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 没精打采 (listless/low energy). That one is a bit more informal and visual. Another one is 无精打采, which is almost identical. If you want to be very short, you can just say 没精神. But 精神不振 sounds a bit more complete and slightly more formal. It’s the version you’d use when you want to be taken seriously.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral phrase suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is more formal than '没精神' but less academic than medical terms for fatigue.
The 'Look' Test
This phrase is heavily based on visual cues. If someone's eyes look 'dead' or they are slouching, it's the perfect time to use it.
Don't confuse with Mental Illness
Be careful not to say `精神病` (Jīngshénbìng), which means 'mental illness' or 'crazy.' Stick to `精神不振` for temporary low energy!
The Coffee Culture Gap
In the West, we say 'I need coffee.' In China, people might say you look `精神不振` and suggest you sleep more or drink warm tea instead.
Examples
6你看上去精神不振，昨晚没睡好吗？
You look spiritless, did you not sleep well last night?
A common way to show concern in the office.
我最近总是精神不振，可能是太累了。
I've been feeling spiritless lately, maybe I'm just too tired.
Using it to explain your own low energy.
病人最近食欲很好，但是精神不振。
The patient has a good appetite lately, but seems spiritless.
Used in a medical context to describe a state of being.
这节课听得我精神不振，好想睡觉。
This lecture is making me so spiritless, I really want to sleep.
Hyperbolic use to describe boredom.
这孩子今天怎么精神不振的？是不是感冒了？
Why is this child so spiritless today? Is he catching a cold?
Expressing motherly concern.
大哥，你这精神不振的样子，像刚从地里爬出来。
Bro, you look so spiritless, like you just crawled out of the ground.
Friendly teasing about someone's exhausted appearance.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to describe someone who looks exhausted and lacks energy.
他生病以后一直___，不想说话。
After being sick, it's natural to feel spiritless and lack energy to talk.
Complete the sentence to express concern for a friend.
你怎么___的？是不是工作压力太大了？
The context of 'work stress' suggests the person looks drained or spiritless.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Spiritless' Expressions
Used with close friends.
没精神 (Méi jīngshén)
Standard for most situations.
精神不振 (Jīngshén bùzhèn)
Used in writing or medicine.
When to use 精神不振
Post-Overtime
Looking like a zombie after 12 hours of work.
During Illness
Feeling weak and dull while having the flu.
Jet Lag
Staring blankly at a wall after a 15-hour flight.
Heartbreak
Losing your usual spark after a breakup.
Practice Bank
2 exercises他生病以后一直___，不想说话。
After being sick, it's natural to feel spiritless and lack energy to talk.
你怎么___的？是不是工作压力太大了？
The context of 'work stress' suggests the person looks drained or spiritless.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. While sleepiness is a cause, it also describes being depressed, bored, or physically weak from illness. It's a general 'low energy' state.
Yes! If your pet is acting sluggish and not playing like usual, you can say the dog is 精神不振.
You can say 我最近精神不振 (Wǒ zuìjìn jīngshén bùzhèn). It sounds natural and slightly more descriptive than just saying you're tired.
Usually, no. It is often seen as a sign of concern. However, don't say it to a bride on her wedding day!
累 is the feeling of being tired. 精神不振 is the *outward appearance* and state of having no energy.
Yes, if you are explaining why a project is slow or why a team looks exhausted, it is professional enough.
A very common informal version is 没精打采 (méi jīng dǎ cǎi), which is more like 'listless' or 'moping around.'
No, it implies a lack of vitality, often for reasons outside your control like health or overwork.
No, it's used for people or animals. For a boring party, you would use 冷清 (lěngqīng) or 无聊 (wúliáo).
The opposite would be 精神抖擞 (jīngshén dǒusǒu), which means full of energy and spirit.
Related Phrases
没精打采 (Listless/Moping)
精疲力竭 (Exhausted/Spent)
无精打采 (Low energy/Droopy)
精神抖擞 (Energetic/Spirited)
