漲る

• Reading: みなぎる
• Romaji: minagiru
• Kanji breakdown: 漲 (chō/minagi) — overflow, brim, surge with abundance
• Pronunciation: /mi.na.ɡi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To overflow; to brim with; to be full to the point of overflowing. Used for water, energy, confidence, or emotion.

A Group 1 (godan) verb describing a state of being so abundantly full that the content seems to surge outward. Originally used of water rising and overflowing, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe a person brimming with vitality, power, or confidence. The word carries a strongly positive, dynamic connotation and often appears in descriptions of athletes, leaders, or passionate speakers.

Examples

1. 決勝の舞台に立ったとき、全身に力が漲るのを感じた。 When I stood on the stage for the finals, I felt energy surging through my entire body.
2. 彼女の言葉には自信と情熱が漲っていて、聴衆を圧倒した。 Her words brimmed with confidence and passion, overwhelming the audience.
3. 春の訪れとともに、若者たちのエネルギーが漲っていた。 With the arrival of spring, the young people were overflowing with energy.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, speeches, motivation, nature descriptions

Tone: energetic

Origin & History

The kanji 漲 combines 水 (water) with 張 (to stretch, to swell), capturing the image of water swelling to capacity and spilling over. The word has roots in classical descriptions of rivers rising in flood.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: All classes