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Vocabulary
精神不好

A2 adjective #3,200 most common 11 min read

精神不好

jīng shén bù hǎo Top 3,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 精神不好 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 精神不好 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should understand '精神不好' as a basic way to say 'I don't feel energetic.' At this stage, you are likely already familiar with words like '累' (lèi, tired) and '困' (kùn, sleepy). '精神不好' is a useful addition because it allows you to describe a general feeling of not being 100% without needing to specify exactly why. For an A1 student, the focus is on the simple subject-adjective structure: '我精神不好' (I'm not in good spirits). You might use this after a long flight or when you haven't had enough sleep. It's a very helpful phrase for basic self-introduction of your physical state. You should also learn the opposite, '精神很好' (jīngshén hěn hǎo), which means you are full of energy and feeling great. At this level, don't worry too much about the philosophical origins of the word 'spirit'; just think of it as your 'energy level.' If your energy is low, your '精神' is '不好.' This phrase is very common in daily greetings and check-ins, such as '你今天怎么样？' (How are you today?) followed by '我有点儿精神不好' (I lack a bit of energy). It is a polite way to explain why you might be a bit quieter than usual. Practice using it with simple time words like '今天' (today) and '现在' (now).

As an A2 learner, you are expected to use '精神不好' in more complete sentences and understand the context better. You can start connecting it to reasons using '因为...所以...' (because... so...). For example, '因为昨天加班，所以我今天精神不好' (Because I worked overtime yesterday, I lack energy today). You should also be able to use adverbs of degree like '有点儿' (yǒudiǎnr, a bit) or '不太' (bù tài, not very) to modify the phrase. At this level, you should also recognize '精神不好' as a way to show concern for others. If you see a friend who looks tired, you can ask, '你看起来精神不好，怎么了？' (You look like you lack energy, what's wrong?). This shows a higher level of social competence in Chinese. You should also begin to distinguish it from '心情不好' (xīnqíng bù hǎo, bad mood). A2 learners often confuse these two, so remember: '精神' is about energy and vitality, while '心情' is about emotions like happiness or sadness. You might hear this phrase in a doctor's office or from a teacher. It's also a great way to describe a child who isn't playing as actively as usual. By mastering this phrase, you move beyond simple 'yes/no' answers about your health and start providing more descriptive information about your well-being.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '精神不好' to describe more complex situations, such as the impact of stress or long-term health issues. You might use it in a professional context to explain a dip in productivity: '最近项目压力很大，大家的精神都不太好' (The project pressure has been high lately, so everyone's spirits are a bit low). You should also be able to understand more colloquial variations like '没精神' (méi jīngshén) and use them appropriately in casual conversation. B1 learners should also start to notice how '精神' can be used in other contexts, such as '精神生活' (jīngshén shēnghuó, spiritual/intellectual life) or '团队精神' (tuánduì jīngshén, team spirit), which helps deepen your understanding of the core concept of 'spirit' in Chinese. You might also encounter the phrase in more nuanced descriptions of people's appearance, where '精神不好' refers to someone looking 'haggard' or 'worn out.' You can also start using it in conditional sentences: '如果你精神不好，就去休息一下吧' (If you lack energy, go take a rest). At this level, your goal is to integrate the phrase into your broader vocabulary for discussing health, work, and social dynamics. You should also be able to compare it with synonyms like '疲劳' (píláo, fatigue) and understand that '精神不好' is often a more subjective, personal way of describing that fatigue.

For B2 learners, '精神不好' becomes a tool for more sophisticated communication. You can use it to discuss psychological well-being or the atmosphere of a place. For example, '这个办公室的气氛让人精神不好' (The atmosphere in this office makes people's spirits low). You should also be able to identify the difference between '精神不好' and more advanced terms like '委靡不振' (wěimǐ bùzhèn, listless and dejected). At this level, you can use the phrase to comment on social phenomena, such as the 'jīngshén' of a modern workforce facing '996' work culture. You should also be able to use it metaphorically. Furthermore, B2 learners should understand the cultural implications of 'jīngshén' in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it's linked to the balance of 'Yin' and 'Yang.' If someone has '精神不好,' a TCM practitioner might look at their 'Qi' flow. You can use this knowledge to engage in deeper cultural conversations. You should also be able to use the phrase in more formal writing, such as a health report or an essay about mental health. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between a temporary lack of energy and a chronic state of low spirits. You might also explore how '精神不好' can be a side effect of medication or a symptom of a larger systemic issue, showing that you can use the phrase in technical or semi-technical contexts.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the literary and philosophical depths of '精神不好.' You will encounter it in modern Chinese literature to describe the internal struggles of characters or the malaise of a particular era. You should be able to analyze how authors use the state of a character's 'jīngshén' to symbolize their moral or psychological condition. You should also be familiar with high-level synonyms and idioms that provide more color, such as '神情倦怠' (shénqíng juàndài, looking weary) or '精疲力竭' (jīngpí lìjié, exhausted). A C1 learner should be able to discuss the concept of 'jīngshén' in the context of Chinese intellectual history, linking it to Daoist or Confucian ideas about the mind and body. You can use '精神不好' in complex rhetorical structures, such as '与其说是身体不适，不如说是精神不好' (It's not so much physical discomfort as it is a lack of spirit/energy). Your understanding should extend to how this phrase interacts with other abstract concepts like '意志' (yìzhì, will) and '灵魂' (línghún, soul). You should also be able to give a presentation or lead a discussion on topics like 'burnout' or 'mental health' in China, using '精神不好' as a starting point to delve into more specialized terminology. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, capturing all the subtle social cues and emotional weight the phrase carries.

At the C2 level, '精神不好' is just one point in a vast web of linguistic and cultural knowledge. You understand the phrase's evolution from classical texts to modern vernacular. You can discuss the nuances between '精神' in the sense of 'vitality' versus '精神' in the sense of 'psychiatry' (精神病学). You are capable of using the phrase in highly formal or academic settings, perhaps in a critique of a film where the actors' '精神不好' (lack of energy/presence) affected the performance. You can also appreciate and use the phrase in poetry or creative writing to evoke a specific mood of lethargy or existential dread. C2 learners can explain the intricate relationship between 'jīng' (essence), 'qi' (energy), and 'shén' (spirit) to others, providing a deep cultural bridge. You should be able to identify when '精神不好' is being used ironically or sarcastically in social media or political commentary. Your mastery of the phrase allows you to navigate the most delicate social situations, such as offering condolences or discussing sensitive mental health issues, with perfect register and empathy. You don't just 'know' the phrase; you feel its weight in the Chinese consciousness, understanding it as a reflection of the holistic view of human health that has persisted for millennia.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

精神不好 in 30 Seconds

Used to describe low energy or vitality (mental and physical).
Different from 'lèi' (tired); focuses on the internal 'spirit' or 'spark'.
Commonly caused by lack of sleep, stress, or beginning of illness.
A polite, versatile phrase used in medical, social, and work contexts.

The phrase 精神不好 (jīngshén bù hǎo) is a foundational expression in Chinese that describes a state of low vitality, lack of energy, or being in low spirits. While it is often translated simply as 'not feeling well' or 'tired,' its meaning is more nuanced, focusing specifically on the 'spirit' or 'mental energy' (jīngshén) rather than just physical fatigue. When a Chinese speaker says they have '精神不好,' they are indicating that their internal battery is low, their focus is blurred, or they lack the usual spark that characterizes a healthy, active person. This state can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a simple lack of sleep to more complex emotional or health-related issues.

The Essence of 'Jīngshén': In Chinese philosophy and medicine, 'jīngshén' is a compound of 'jīng' (essence) and 'shén' (spirit). Together, they represent the vital force that animates the human body. Therefore, saying your 'jīngshén' is 'not good' (bù hǎo) is a holistic statement about your current state of being. It suggests a lack of 'qi' or life force that makes one appear sluggish or listless.

我昨天晚上没睡好，所以今天精神不好。(I didn't sleep well last night, so today I lack energy.)

People use this phrase in a wide variety of social contexts. In a professional setting, a colleague might use it to explain why they are not contributing as actively as usual in a meeting. In a medical context, it is a common symptom reported to doctors, indicating a general malaise that isn't necessarily localized to one part of the body. It is also used frequently among friends and family as a way to express concern. If you notice a friend looking pale or moving slowly, asking '你是不是精神不好？' (Are you not feeling energetic?) is a polite and caring way to check in on their well-being.

Nuance vs. 'Lèi' (Tired): It is crucial to distinguish this from '累' (lèi). While 'lèi' usually refers to the physical exhaustion resulting from a specific activity like working out or a long day of labor, '精神不好' describes the internal state of one's vitality. You can be 'lèi' but still have good 'jīngshén' (e.g., after a satisfying workout), or you could be physically rested but still have '精神不好' due to stress or boredom.

Culturally, appearing to have 'good spirit' (jīngshén hǎo) is highly valued in Chinese society as it reflects a positive, disciplined, and healthy lifestyle. Conversely, '精神不好' is often seen as a sign that one needs to adjust their habits, perhaps by sleeping more, eating better, or managing stress more effectively. It is a very versatile phrase that bridges the gap between physical health and mental well-being, making it an essential part of an A2 learner's vocabulary for daily interaction.

Using 精神不好 in a sentence is grammatically straightforward because it functions as a predicate adjective phrase. In Chinese, you don't typically need the verb 'to be' (shì) when using adjectives or adjective phrases to describe a subject's state. Instead, you can place the phrase directly after the subject, often preceded by an adverb of degree like '很' (hěn - very), '有点儿' (yǒudiǎnr - a bit), or '特别' (tèbié - especially).

Basic Structure: [Subject] + [Adverb] + 精神不好. For example: '他最近精神不好' (He hasn't been in good spirits lately). This structure is the most common way to report one's own state or observe someone else's.

因为工作压力太大，她这几天的精神不太好。(Because the work pressure is too high, she hasn't been in very good spirits these past few days.)

You can also use it to describe the cause and effect of a situation. For instance, if you want to say that someone looks like they lack energy, you can use the verb '看起来' (kàn qǐlái - looks like). '你看起来精神不好' (You look like you lack energy) is a very common observation. To make it a question, you can add the question particle '吗' (ma) at the end: '你今天精神不好吗？' (Do you lack energy today?).

Using with 'Wait' and 'Time': It is often paired with time words like '最近' (zuìjìn - recently), '今天' (jīntiān - today), or '早上' (zǎoshang - morning). '我早上精神不好，下午会好一点' (I lack energy in the morning, but I'll be better in the afternoon).

In more complex sentences, '精神不好' can act as a reason for another action. For example, '因为我精神不好，所以我不想去参加聚会' (Because I lack energy, I don't want to go to the party). Here, it serves as the 'cause' in a 'cause-effect' relationship. It can also be used in comparative structures: '我今天的精神比昨天更不好' (My energy today is even worse than yesterday). By mastering these patterns, you can express a wide range of physical and emotional states related to vitality and mood.

You will encounter 精神不好 in almost every corner of daily life in China, from the doctor's office to the breakroom at work. It is a highly frequent expression because it is polite yet descriptive. In a medical setting, when a patient describes their symptoms, they might say '全身没劲，精神不好' (No strength in the body, and lacking energy). Doctors often use this to gauge the severity of an illness; if a child has a fever but still has 'good spirit' (精神好), it is often seen as less concerning than if the child has '精神不好'.

In the Workplace: If a colleague is making mistakes or seems disengaged, a manager might ask, '你最近是不是家里有事？我看你精神不太好。' (Is something going on at home? I see you're not in great spirits.) It functions as a euphemism for being unproductive or distracted without being overly accusatory.

医生，我孩子今天不爱吃饭，精神也不好。(Doctor, my child doesn't want to eat today, and they also lack energy.)

On social media and in casual conversations, you'll hear people use it to describe the 'Monday Blues' or the feeling after a long holiday. A common post might be: '假期结束了，第一天上班，精神不好。' (The holiday is over, first day back at work, lacking energy.) It's a way of seeking empathy from others who are likely feeling the same way. You'll also hear it in beauty and skincare contexts; if someone has dark circles under their eyes or a dull complexion, they might be told they look '精神不好'.

In Schools: Teachers often use this phrase when talking to parents about a student's performance. '他在课上总是打瞌睡，精神不好' (He is always dozing off in class, lacking energy). Here, it implies a lack of focus and engagement in the learning process.

Finally, you will hear it in the news or in literature when describing a population or a group of people facing hardship. For instance, after a natural disaster, a reporter might say the survivors are '精神不好' to describe the collective trauma and exhaustion. It is a powerful phrase because it captures both the physical and psychological toll of a situation, making it a very human-centric expression.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 精神不好 is over-relying on it to mean 'I am sick.' While it can be a symptom of being sick, it doesn't mean 'I have a disease.' If you have a specific ailment like a cold or a headache, you should use '感冒' (gǎnmào) or '头疼' (tóuténg). '精神不好' is a general state of vitality, not a specific medical diagnosis. Using it exclusively can make your Chinese sound vague.

Confusing 'Jīngshén' with 'Mood' (Xīngqíng): Another frequent error is confusing '精神不好' with '心情不好' (xīnqíng bù hǎo - bad mood). '心情不好' specifically means you are sad, angry, or upset. '精神不好' means you are low on energy or vitality. You can be in a great mood (心情很好) but have low energy (精神不好) because you stayed up late celebrating. Conversely, you can be full of energy (精神很好) but in a terrible mood (心情不好) because you are angry.

Incorrect: 我今天很不开心，所以精神不好。 (I'm unhappy, so I lack energy - while possible, '心情不好' is usually more appropriate here if you're just sad.)

A third mistake involves the placement of the negative '不' (bù). Beginners sometimes try to say '不精神' (bù jīngshén). While '精神' can sometimes act as an adjective meaning 'energetic/sharp-looking,' the standard way to express the lack of energy is '精神不好' or '没精神' (méi jīngshén). '不精神' is much less common and can sound unnatural in many contexts. Stick to '精神不好' for maximum clarity.

The 'Shì' Error: As with many Chinese adjectives, English speakers often want to insert '是' (shì) before the phrase, saying '我是精神不好.' This is grammatically incorrect. You should say '我精神不好' or use an adverb like '我很精神不好' (though '很' is usually omitted when the focus is on the '不好' part, or replaced with '有点儿').

Lastly, be careful with the register. While '精神不好' is suitable for most situations, in very formal medical reports, more specific terms like '神志不清' (shénzhì bùqīng - unconscious/delirious) or '精神萎靡' (jīngshén wěimǐ - listless) might be used. For an A2 learner, '精神不好' is perfect, but being aware that more precise terms exist will help as you progress to higher levels.

There are several ways to express a lack of energy or vitality in Chinese, and choosing the right one depends on the specific feeling you want to convey. The most direct alternative to 精神不好 is 没精神 (méi jīngshén). These two are almost interchangeable, though '没精神' often sounds slightly more colloquial and immediate. If someone asks why you're so quiet, you might simply snap back, '我没精神' (I've got no energy).

Comparison: 精神不好 vs. 累 (Lèi): '累' (Lèi) is the most common word for 'tired.' It is specifically linked to physical or mental exertion. You are 'lèi' because you did something. You have '精神不好' because your state of being is currently low. You can be 'lèi' and still have 'jīngshén' (like a happy, tired child), but you cannot really have '精神不好' and feel 'energetic' at the same time.

他今天没精打采的，好像有什么心事。(He is listless today, as if something is on his mind.)

Another great alternative for intermediate learners is 没精打采 (méijīng dǎcǎi). This is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that describes someone looking listless, dejected, or out of sorts. It is more descriptive than '精神不好' because it focuses on the outward appearance of having no energy—slumped shoulders, a dull look in the eyes, and a slow gait. Use this when you want to be more evocative in your description.

More Formal Alternatives: 1. 疲惫 (píbèi): This means 'exhausted' or 'fatigued.' It is more formal than '累' and often used in writing to describe long-term exhaustion. 2. 乏力 (fálì): A medical term meaning 'lack of strength' or 'weakness.' You'll hear this in hospitals or from someone feeling physically frail.

Finally, consider 困 (kùn), which specifically means 'sleepy.' If your '精神不好' is specifically because you want to sleep, '困' is the more precise word. However, '精神不好' is often the broader umbrella term that covers the feeling of being sleepy along with the inability to focus or the general feeling of being 'off.' By understanding these nuances, you can navigate Chinese social situations with much greater precision and empathy.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, 'Shen' (spirit) is considered one of the 'Three Treasures' (alongside Jing and Qi) that must be preserved for health. If you have '精神不好', a TCM doctor might say your 'Shen' is not 'anchored'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒɪŋ ʃɛn buː haʊ/

US /dʒɪŋ ʃɛn buː haʊ/

The primary stress is on 'jīng' and 'hǎo', while 'shén' and 'bù' are slightly lighter.

Rhymes With

jīng (rhymes with: míng, qīng, tīng) shén (rhymes with: rén, wén, běn) bù (rhymes with: lù, kù, shù) hǎo (rhymes with: bǎo, lǎo, shǎo)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shén' with a hard 'en' sound like 'hen' instead of the softer Chinese 'en'.
Misplacing the tones, especially changing 'bù' (4th tone) to 'bù' (2nd tone) before 'hǎo' (3rd tone), which is actually a correct tone sandhi rule you should follow!
Treating 'jīngshén' as two separate words with equal weight.
Forgetting the neutral tone possibility for 'shén' in some northern dialects.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'bu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are common, but 'jīng' and 'shén' have many strokes.

Writing 3/5

Writing '精神' requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very common in daily speech, easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

好 (hǎo) 不 (bù) 累 (lèi) 困 (kùn) 心情 (xīnqíng)

Learn Next

没精打采 (méijīng dǎcǎi) 疲惫 (píbèi) 状态 (zhuàngtài) 压力 (yālì) 恢复 (huīfù)

Advanced

萎靡不振 (wěimǐ bùzhèn) 神志不清 (shénzhì bùqīng) 精疲力竭 (jīngpí lìjié)

Grammar to Know

Adjective Predicates

我精神不好。(No 'shì' needed)

Tone Sandhi of 'Bù'

精神不好 (bù changes to 2nd tone before 3rd tone hǎo in some dialects, but usually stays 4th in standard).

Using 'Yǒudiǎnr' for Unpleasant States

我有点儿精神不好。(Correct usage for negative states)

Resultative Compounds

累得精神不好 (Tired to the point of low spirits)

Cause-Effect with 'Yīnwèi... suǒyǐ'

因为没睡觉，所以精神不好。

Examples by Level

我今天精神不好。

I lack energy today.

Subject + Time + Adjective Phrase.

你精神不好吗？

Do you lack energy?

Sentence + 吗 for a yes/no question.

他昨天没睡觉，所以今天精神不好。

He didn't sleep yesterday, so he lacks energy today.

Using 所以 (suǒyǐ) to show result.

老师今天精神很好，不精神不好。

The teacher is very energetic today, not lacking energy.

Comparison of 'good' vs 'not good' spirits.

喝咖啡以后，我精神不好了吗？不，我精神很好。

After drinking coffee, do I lack energy? No, I feel great.

Using '以后' (after) to show change of state.

我有点儿精神不好。

I lack a bit of energy.

Using '有点儿' (a bit) as a modifier.

因为生病，他精神不好。

Because he is sick, he lacks energy.

Using '因为' (because) to show cause.

你为什么精神不好？

Why do you lack energy?

Using '为什么' (why) for a question.

你看起来精神不太好，是不是生病了？

You look like you lack energy, are you sick?

Using '看起来' (looks like) + '不太' (not very).

虽然他精神不好，但是他还是去上班了。

Although he lacked energy, he still went to work.

Although... but... (虽然...但是...) structure.

最近工作太忙，我每天都精神不好。

Work has been too busy lately; I lack energy every day.

Using '最近' (recently) and '每天都' (every day).

如果精神不好，你就早点儿睡觉吧。

If you lack energy, you should go to sleep a bit earlier.

If... then... (如果...就...) structure.

他的精神比昨天好一点，没那么不好了。

His spirit is a bit better than yesterday, not so bad anymore.

Comparative structure using '比' (bǐ).

小王今天没精打采的，精神很不好。

Xiao Wang is listless today, his spirit is very bad.

Pairing with the idiom '没精打采'.

你精神不好，是因为没吃早饭吗？

Is your lack of energy because you didn't eat breakfast?

Questioning the cause with '是因为...吗?'.

多运动可以让你不再精神不好。

More exercise can make you no longer lack energy.

Using '不再' (no longer) with the phrase.

长时间对着电脑，人很容易精神不好。

Facing a computer for a long time, people easily lack energy.

General statement using '容易' (easy to).

老张最近精神不好，总是忘东忘西的。

Old Zhang hasn't been in good spirits lately; he's always forgetting things.

Describing symptoms associated with '精神不好'.

医生建议他多休息，因为他长期精神不好。

The doctor suggested he rest more because he has been in low spirits for a long time.

Using '长期' (long-term) to describe the state.

这种天气让人感到很压抑，精神也不好。

This kind of weather makes people feel very depressed and low in spirits.

Connecting environmental factors to '精神'.

他精神不好，可能跟最近的压力有关。

His lack of energy might be related to recent pressure.

Using '跟...有关' (related to).

由于睡眠不足，很多学生在课上精神不好。

Due to lack of sleep, many students lack energy in class.

Formal cause-effect using '由于' (due to).

只要你调整好心态，精神就不会不好了。

As long as you adjust your mindset, your spirits won't be low.

As long as... (只要...就...) structure.

除了精神不好，你还有其他不舒服的地方吗？

Besides lacking energy, do you have any other discomfort?

Using '除了...还' (besides... also).

这种慢性病会导致患者长期精神不好。

This chronic illness can lead to patients being in low spirits for a long time.

Using '导致' (lead to) in a formal context.

他看上去精神不好，似乎还没从打击中走出来。

He looks in low spirits, as if he hasn't recovered from the blow yet.

Using '似乎' (as if) to imply psychological cause.

精神不好不仅影响工作效率，还会影响身体健康。

Low spirits not only affect work efficiency but also physical health.

Not only... but also... (不仅...还...) structure.

即便吃了药，他的精神还是不太好。

Even though he took medicine, his spirit is still not very good.

Even if... still... (即便...还是...) structure.

由于长期处于焦虑状态，他的精神状态一直不好。

Due to being in a long-term state of anxiety, his mental state has been poor.

Using '精神状态' (mental state/state of spirit).

大家精神不好的时候，领导应该多鼓励一下。

When everyone is in low spirits, the leader should encourage them more.

Using '...的时候' (when).

他精神不好是有原因的，你别总是责怪他。

There's a reason for his lack of energy, don't always blame him.

Using '是有原因的' (there is a reason).

这种药物的副作用之一就是让人精神不好。

One of the side effects of this medicine is making people lack energy.

Using '...之一' (one of...).

在那段灰暗的日子里，他整个人都显得精神不好。

During those dark days, he appeared to be in low spirits throughout.

Descriptive literary style.

精神不好往往是心理压力的一种外在表现。

Low spirits are often an external manifestation of psychological pressure.

Academic/Formal tone.

尽管他努力掩饰，但疲惫的眼神出卖了他精神不好的事实。

Despite his efforts to hide it, his weary eyes betrayed the fact that he was in low spirits.

Complex concession structure.

如果一个民族精神不好，就很难实现真正的复兴。

If a nation's spirit is not good, it will be hard to achieve true rejuvenation.

Abstract/Metaphorical usage.

他精神不好，反映出他内心深处的挣扎与不安。

His lack of energy reflects the struggle and unease deep within his heart.

Deep psychological analysis.

在连日的劳顿之后，战士们难免会感到精神不好。

After days of toil, it is inevitable that the soldiers would feel in low spirits.

Using '难免' (inevitable).

这种精神不好的状态如果不加以干预，可能会演变成抑郁。

If this state of low spirits is not intervened with, it might evolve into depression.

Conditional medical warning.

与其说他生病了，不如说是因为失恋而精神不好。

Rather than saying he is sick, it's more that he lacks energy because of a breakup.

Rather than... it's better to say... (与其说...不如说...).

该作品深刻勾勒出了那个时代知识分子精神不好的群像。

The work profoundly outlines the collective portrait of intellectuals in low spirits during that era.

High-level literary criticism.

在中医理论中，精神不好常被视作神气涣散的表现。

In TCM theory, low spirits are often seen as a manifestation of scattered 'Shen-qi'.

Specialized cultural/theoretical context.

他那种精神不好的状态，实则是对现实的一种消极抵抗。

That state of low spirits of his is actually a form of passive resistance to reality.

Philosophical/Sociological analysis.

长期处于这种精神不好的境地，必然会导致意志的消磨。

Being in such a state of low spirits for a long time will inevitably lead to the erosion of one's will.

Formal logical deduction.

这种精神不好并非源于体力的透支，而是源于信仰的缺失。

This lack of spirit does not stem from physical overexertion, but from a lack of faith.

Contrastive source analysis (并非...而是...).

唯有重塑核心价值，才能扭转目前社会普遍精神不好的颓势。

Only by reshaping core values can we reverse the current trend of general low spirits in society.

Only if... then... (唯有...才能...) structure.

他那看似精神不好的外表下，隐藏着极强的爆发力。

Beneath his seemingly low-spirit appearance lies an extremely strong explosive power.

Paradoxical description.

这种精神不好的论调在当时风靡一时，反映了某种集体焦虑。

This rhetoric of low spirits was popular at the time, reflecting a certain collective anxiety.

Historical/Discursive analysis.

Common Collocations

精神不好的人

看起来精神不好

Common Phrases

提不起精神

— To be unable to summon energy or enthusiasm.

面对这么多工作，我真是一点儿也提不起精神。

打起精神来

— Cheer up; pull yourself together; get energized.

快打起精神来，比赛马上就要开始了！

精神支柱

— Spiritual pillar; source of mental support.

家人是他唯一的精神支柱。

精神面貌

— Mental outlook; spiritual features of a person or group.

我们要展现出良好的精神面貌。

精神损失

— Mental distress; spiritual loss (often in legal terms).

他要求赔偿精神损失费。

精神食粮

— Food for thought; spiritual nourishment.

好书是人类的精神食粮。

精神文明

— Spiritual civilization; cultural and ethical progress.

我们要加强精神文明建设。

精神领袖

— Spiritual leader.

他是这个团队的精神领袖。

精神抖擞

— Full of energy and spirit; invigorated.

运动员们精神抖擞地走入赛场。

精神焕发

— Glow with health and spirit; looking revitalized.

洗完澡后，他变得精神焕发。

Often Confused With

精神不好 vs 心情不好

Refers to emotional state (sad/upset), whereas 精神不好 refers to vitality/energy.

精神不好 vs 身体不好

Refers to general physical health or being prone to illness, while 精神不好 is a specific state of energy.

精神不好 vs 精神病

Refers to clinical mental illness; never use this to mean someone is just 'tired'.

Idioms & Expressions

"没精打采"

— To be listless, dejected, or out of sorts.

他今天没精打采的，一句话也不说。

Common

"萎靡不振"

— Listless and dejected; lacking in vitality.

在那次失败后，他一直萎靡不振。

Formal

"聚精会神"

— To concentrate one's attention; to focus intensely.

同学们正在聚精会神地听课。

Common

"神采奕奕"

— In high spirits; glowing with health and vigor.

老教授虽然八十岁了，依然神采奕奕。

Formal

"垂头丧气"

— To be crestfallen; dejected; hanging one's head in despair.

他垂头丧气地走出了考场。

Common

"精疲力竭"

— Exhausted; worn out; having used up all energy.

搬完家后，我感到精疲力竭。

Common

"心神不定"

— To be restless; uneasy; distracted.

他最近心神不定，好像在担心什么。

Common

"精神百倍"

— Full of energy; feeling a hundred times more energetic.

听了这个好消息，他立刻精神百倍。

Common

"魂不守舍"

— To be out of one's mind with worry or distraction.

自从丢了手机，她就一直魂不守舍。

Idiomatic

"龙马精神"

— Old but full of vigor; the spirit of a dragon-horse.

祝您龙马精神，身体健康！

Formal/Greeting

Easily Confused

精神不好 vs 累 (lèi)

Both imply a need for rest.

'累' is physical exhaustion from effort; '精神不好' is a lack of mental or spiritual vitality.

我爬山很累，但精神很好。

精神不好 vs 困 (kùn)

Both involve low energy and wanting to sleep.

'困' is specifically 'sleepy'; '精神不好' is broader and can include feeling 'off' without being sleepy.

我不困，但精神不好，想不通问题。

精神不好 vs 病 (bìng)

精神不好 is often a symptom of being sick.

'病' is the illness itself; '精神不好' is the state of vitality.

他没病，只是最近精神不好。

精神不好 vs 乏 (fá)

Both mean lacking energy.

'乏' is more formal and often refers to physical weakness; '精神不好' is more common and includes mental state.

走了一天，感到困乏。

精神不好 vs 闷 (mèn)

Both can describe a low state.

'闷' means bored or stuffy; '精神不好' means lacking energy.

在家里呆着很闷。

Sentence Patterns

S + 精神不好。

我精神不好。

S + 看起来 + 精神不好。

他看起来精神不好。

S + 有点儿 + 精神不好。

你有点儿精神不好。

因为...所以...精神不好。

因为压力大，所以精神不好。

S + 最近 + 一直 + 精神不好。

她最近一直精神不好。

虽然...但是...精神不好。

虽然休息了，但是精神不好。

反映出...精神不好。

这反映出他精神不好。

与其说...不如说...精神不好。

与其说他累，不如说他精神不好。

Word Family

Nouns

精神 (Spirit/Vitality/Mental State)

精力 (Energy/Vigor)

精气神 (Vitality/Spirit - TCM term)

Verbs

提神 (To refresh oneself; to give a boost of energy)

精神化 (To spiritualize - rare)

Adjectives

精神的 (Spiritual/Mental)

精干 (Capable and energetic)

精明 (Shrewd/Astute)

心情 (Mood)

体力 (Physical strength)

意识 (Consciousness)

灵魂 (Soul)

状态 (State/Condition)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and medical/work contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '累' (lèi) for everything. → 我爬完山很累；我没睡好，精神不好。
Lèi is for physical exhaustion; 精神不好 is for lack of vitality/spirit.
Saying '我是精神不好' (Wǒ shì jīngshén bù hǎo). → 我精神不好 (Wǒ jīngshén bù hǎo).
Chinese adjectives don't need the verb 'to be' (shì) in this structure.
Confusing '精神不好' with '心情不好'. → 我精神不好 (Low energy); 我心情不好 (Sad/Angry).
One is about vitality, the other is about emotions.
Using '精神不好' for machines. → 电脑坏了 (The computer is broken).
精神 is only for humans and animals.
Miswriting the radical for '神'. → 神 (spirit radical 礻).
Many students add an extra dot, making it the clothing radical (衤).

Tips

Adjective Modifiers

Use '有点儿' (a bit) before '精神不好' to sound more polite and less dramatic. It softens the statement.

Showing Concern

If you notice a Chinese friend looking tired, saying '你看起来精神不好' is a very natural way to start a conversation about their well-being.

The Opposite

Learn '精神很好' at the same time. Being '很精神' is a common compliment in China, especially for older people or children.

Tone Sandhi

When 'bù' (4th) is followed by 'hǎo' (3rd), there is no official sandhi, but 'bù' often sounds slightly shorter and sharper.

Context Matters

If you are in a hospital, tell the doctor '精神不好' to describe your overall lack of energy. It's a key diagnostic clue.

Radical Awareness

The left side of '神' is the 'spirit' radical (礻). Don't confuse it with the 'clothing' radical (衤) which has an extra stroke.

Workplace Etiquette

If you need to leave work early because you feel 'off', saying '我今天精神不太好' is a socially acceptable excuse.

The Battery Rule

Think of '精神' as your battery level. '不好' means the battery is in the red zone.

Catching the 'Jing'

In fast speech, 'jīngshén' can sound like 'jīng-shen'. Focus on the 'jīng' to recognize the word.

Avoid 'Shì'

Never say '我是精神不好.' Just say '我精神不好' or '我有点儿精神不好.' This is a classic beginner mistake.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jing' as 'Ging-er' (energy) and 'Shen' as 'Sun' (spirit). If your 'Ginger-Sun' is 'Bu Hao' (Not Good), your battery is low!

Visual Association

Imagine a battery icon on a phone that is red and at 5%. That person has '精神不好'.

Word Web

精神 (Spirit) 身体 (Body) 能量 (Energy) 睡眠 (Sleep) 压力 (Pressure) 健康 (Health) 心情 (Mood) 状态 (State)

Challenge

Try to use '精神不好' to describe yourself or someone else at least three times today in different contexts (morning, after work, after a meal).

Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of '精神' (jīngshén) and '不好' (bù hǎo). '精神' dates back to ancient Chinese texts like the 'Zhuangzi', where it referred to the essential life force and the spirit of the cosmos.

Original meaning: Originally, 'jīng' referred to refined grains or essence, and 'shén' referred to deities or the divine spirit. Together, they came to represent the refined essence of a human being's vitality.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse '精神不好' with '精神病' (jīngshénbìng), which means mental illness/psychosis. One is a temporary state, the other is a serious medical condition.

English speakers often say 'I'm tired' or 'I'm out of it.' '精神不好' covers both but sounds slightly more formal and health-focused.

Zhuangzi (ancient text discussing 'jīngshén') Lu Xun (modern author who wrote about the 'jīngshén' of the Chinese people) TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) diagnosis manuals

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's

我觉得精神不好。
孩子精神不好。
一直精神不好。
精神不好多久了？

At Work

他最近精神不好。
我今天精神不好。
大家精神都不好。
精神不好会出错。

With Friends

你看起来精神不好。
我没精神去玩。
打起精神来！
怎么精神不好的？

At Home

早点睡，别精神不好。
你精神不好吗？
看你精神不好的样子。
精神不好就躺会儿。

Studying

精神不好看不进书。
课上精神不好。
考试前精神不好。
精神不好别硬撑。

Conversation Starters

"你今天看起来有点儿精神不好，昨晚没睡好吗？"

"最近工作这么忙，你是不是觉得精神不太好？"

"如果你精神不好，我们要不要改天再出去玩？"

"我看你今天没精打采的，是精神不好还是心情不好？"

"喝杯咖啡吧，看你精神不太好的样子。"

Journal Prompts

写一写你上次精神不好的时候是什么原因导致的？你是怎么恢复的？

描述一下你精神不好的时候，身体和心理上有什么感觉？

你觉得现代人为什么经常会感到精神不好？有什么解决办法？

对比一下'精神不好'和'心情不好'，你觉得哪种状态更难受？为什么？

如果你发现你的好朋友最近一直精神不好，你会怎么安慰或帮助他？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '精神不好' is strictly for living beings, primarily humans and sometimes pets. It refers to the 'spirit' or 'vitality' which machines do not possess. For a machine that isn't working well, use '出故障了' (chū gùzhàng le) or '不好用' (bù hǎoyòng).

Not exactly. While it can be a symptom of depression, '精神不好' is a much broader and less clinical term. It could just mean you stayed up late. If you want to say someone is clinically depressed, the term is '抑郁' (yìyù).

No, that is incorrect. You should say '精神好不好？' (Is your spirit good or not?) or '精神不好吗？' (Do you lack energy?). '精神好不' sounds incomplete and unnatural.

You can say '我有点儿不舒服' (wǒ yǒudiǎnr bù shūfu) or '我精神不太好' (wǒ jīngshén bù tài hǎo). Both are common ways to express that you aren't feeling 100%.

In standard Mandarin, 'shén' is 2nd tone. However, in many northern dialects, including Beijing, the second syllable 'shén' is often pronounced with a neutral tone (jīngshen). Both are understood, but 2nd tone is safer for learners.

Yes, it is very common. It's often used to describe the declining vitality of the elderly. However, be respectful and use it with concern rather than as a criticism.

They are virtually the same. '没精神' is slightly more colloquial and literally means 'has no spirit.' '精神不好' literally means 'spirit is not good.' Both are equally common in daily life.

Yes! If you say someone '很精神' (hěn jīngshén), it means they look sharp, energetic, and vibrant. It's a great compliment for someone who looks well-rested and alert.

It can be, but often more formal versions like '精神不振' or '精神状态不佳' are preferred in academic or professional reports. '精神不好' is perfect for emails, messages, and speech.

Yes, you can include the possessive '的' (de), but it's more natural to just say '我精神不好.' Chinese often omits the 'de' when describing personal states.