A2 adjective Informal #3,200 most common 1 min read

精神不好

jīng shén bù hǎo /tɕiŋ ʂə́n bù hǎo/

It describes a state of feeling tired, lethargic, or lacking mental focus.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Describes someone feeling tired or lacking energy.
  • Commonly used to describe appearance or mental state.
  • Very frequent in daily casual conversation.

Overview

  1. 1概述:'精神不好'是一个非常地道的中文口语表达,用来描述一个人的心理或生理状态不佳。当一个人看起来没精打采、困倦或反应迟钝时,我们就可以用这个词。它不仅指身体上的劳累,也隐含了心理上的倦怠感。2) 使用模式:该词通常作谓语或定语。作谓语时,常与‘显得’、‘看起来’、‘觉得’等动词搭配,例如‘他今天看起来精神不好’。作定语时,常修饰名词,如‘精神不好的人’。3) 常见语境:最常出现在日常对话中,比如熬夜后、生病时或长时间工作后。在职场中,如果同事脸色苍白、无精打采,也可以用这个词来关心对方。4) 近义词比较:‘疲惫’侧重于身体的极度劳累;‘没精打采’侧重于表现出来的萎靡状态;‘精神不好’则是一个更宽泛、更口语化的描述,适用于多种轻微的身体或心理状态不佳的情况。

Examples

1

他昨晚没睡好,所以今天精神不好。

everyday

He didn't sleep well last night, so he is in low spirits today.

2

如果员工精神不好,工作效率会降低。

formal

If employees are not in good spirits, work efficiency will drop.

Common Collocations

看起来精神不好 look low in energy
因为熬夜精神不好 low energy due to staying up late

Common Phrases

打起精神

cheer up / pull yourself together

Often Confused With

精神不好 vs 没精打采

This implies a lack of enthusiasm or spirit, often used for behavior rather than just physical fatigue.

Grammar Patterns

看起来 + 精神不好 觉得 + 精神不好 因为...而精神不好

How to Use It

Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and widely used in daily life. It is not suitable for formal medical reports or official documents. It is a polite way to comment on someone's appearance when they seem tired.


Common Mistakes

Avoid using it to describe inanimate objects. It specifically applies to people's mental or physical state. Do not confuse it with '精神病' (mental illness), as they are completely different.

Tips

💡

Use with linking verbs

Pair it with verbs like 看起来 (looks) or 觉得 (feels) to make your sentences sound more natural. For example: 他看起来精神不好。

⚠️

Not for physical illness

While it can be used when sick, avoid using it as a diagnosis. If someone is seriously ill, use specific terms like 生病 instead.

🌍

Social concern

In Chinese culture, asking '你今天精神不好吗?' is a polite way to show concern for a friend's well-being.

Word Origin

精神 refers to spirit or vitality, and 不好 means not good. Together, they describe a lack of vital energy.

Cultural Context

In Chinese social interactions, noticing someone's state is a sign of attentiveness. Asking about their 'spirit' is a common way to build rapport.

Memory Tip

Think of a battery that is low on power. '精神' is your internal battery, and '不好' means it's running low.

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

“累”主要指身体上的劳累,而“精神不好”涵盖范围更广,包括没睡好、心情低落或注意力无法集中。

当你熬夜后、生病感冒或者工作压力大导致状态不佳时,都可以使用这个词。

没有贬义,它通常用于描述客观状态,有时甚至带有关心对方的意味。

Test Yourself

fill blank

因为昨晚熬夜看球,他今天看起来___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 精神不好

熬夜会导致疲劳,因此用精神不好来形容。

Score: /1

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