Perking up
Slang Term
BritishAmericanAustralian
★★★★☆ Common
Casual
Meaning: Becoming more lively; recovering energy.
变得更有活力、恢复精力。
Volviéndose más animado; recuperando energía.
元気になってきた、エネルギーを取り戻している。
기운을 되찾는, 활기를 되찾는.
Regaining vitality and good spirits after feeling low. Often used for quick improvements in mood or energy.
在低落之后恢复活力和好心情。常用于形容情绪或精力的快速改善。
Recuperando vitalidad y buen ánimo después de sentirse bajo. A menudo usado para mejoras rápidas en humor o energía.
落ち込んだ後に活力と良い気分を取り戻すこと。気分やエネルギーの素早い改善によく使われる。
기분이 가라앉은 후 활력과 좋은 기분을 되찾는 것. 기분이나 에너지가 빠르게 호전될 때 자주 사용된다.
Literal meaning: Becoming alert and lively (like a percolator)
Examples
- After the coffee, she started perking up. 喝了咖啡后,她精神起来了Después del café, empezó a animarseコーヒーの後、彼女は元気になり始めた커피를 마신 후 그녀는 기운을 차리기 시작했다.
- The flowers are perking up after the rain. 雨后花儿精神起来了Las flores se están recuperando después de la lluvia雨の後、花が生き生きしてきた비가 온 후 꽃들이 생기를 되찾았다.
- He's perking up—must be feeling better. 他精神多了,肯定是感觉好些了Se está animando, debe sentirse mejor彼は元気になってきた。気分が良くなったのだろう그가 기운을 되찾고 있어—기분이 나아진 게 분명해.
Pronunciation
/ˈpɜːkɪŋ ʌp/
Usage Guide
Context: recovery, energy return, mood improvement
Tone: cheerful, encouraging
✓ Do Say
- Perking up now.现在精神多了Animándose ahora今元気になってきた지금 기운을 차리고 있어.
- She's perking up.她精神起来了Se está animando彼女は元気になってきた그녀가 기운을 되찾고 있어.
- Starting to perk up.开始有精神了Empezando a animarse元気が出てきた기운을 차리기 시작하고 있어.
✗ Don't Say
- Feeling betterFeeling better(太普通)Feeling better(demasiado común)Feeling better(普通すぎる)기분이 나아지는
- More energeticMore energetic(太正式)More energetic(demasiado formal)More energetic(フォーマルすぎる)더 활기찬
Common Mistakes
- Suggests quick improvement in energy
- Different from 'perks' (benefits)
Origin & History
Possibly from percolate or from perch (birds becoming alert).
Etymology: English, possibly from percolator
First recorded: 19th century
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Coffee culture; Morning routines
Regional notes: Common across English-speaking world.
Variations
Perking upPerk upPerked right up
Related Phrases
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Crook
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Sick or unwell (Australian).
Poorly
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Unwell or sick (British, often for children).
Wiped out
★★★★★
Completely exhausted or extremely tired.
Run-down
★★★★★
In poor health due to exhaustion or stress.
Burnt out
★★★★★
Completely exhausted from overwork or prolonged stress.
Right as rain
★★★★★
Completely well; in perfect health.
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