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As I understand it, both of these approximately mean healthy or robust. I
originally thought that 丈夫 was more appropriate for inanimate objects and 元気
for living things, but now I get the impression it's not so clear cut.

I'd like to know if there's a rule of thumb for when one or the other should
be used?

I'm quite a new Japanese learner (as may be obvious) so please bear with me if
the answer should be evident.
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2018-12-15T11:13:47.180
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question
usage
Difference in nuance between 元気 and 丈夫?
I really like example sentences for sussing out differences like this. A lot
of things become clearer with context - for example:

  * [元気](https://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E5%85%83%E6%B0%97%E3%81%AA&ref=sa)
  * [丈夫](https://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E4%B8%88%E5%A4%AB%E3%81%AA&ref=sa)

As you can see, `丈夫` is indeed used more for inanimate objects, but it's not
because there is a hard and fast rule about what each adjective can be used to
describe, it's because the two words mean subtly different things.

`元気` can mean healthy, but it most often means things like `energetic`,
`cheerful`, `vigorous`, `lively`, etc. It primarily describes the way that
someone or something acts or presents, so it mostly gets used with living
things.

`丈夫` in general has more physical nuances - it tends to mean things like
`sturdy`, `durable` or `rugged`. Consequently, you see it mostly describing
things.

Both words _can_ be applied to people, and might both be translated as
`healthy` in some cases, but they mean different things. `元気` evokes images of
someone who is cheerful, where as `丈夫` evokes an image primarily of physical
health. You can be frequently hospitalized for a health condition and still
`元気` if your attitude is good, or depressed and still `丈夫` if you work out a
lot, but probably not vice versa.
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answer
丈夫 is more associated with physical aspects. It is used for physical objects
and their stability also. It is a minimum for well-being, it’s not necessarily
positive but there are no problems to complain about. It’s often used to
dismiss concern:

> 大丈夫ですか？
>
> Are you okay?
>
> 大丈夫です。
>
> I’m alright.

On the other hand, 元気 is a state of being energetic. 気 is a life energy or
spirit. It’s closely tied to Japanese Shinto religion and culture and uses
exclusively for living things (plants and animals as well as people). It’s
meaning is difficult to describe in English but has the feeling of vitality or
excitement.

> 子犬はとても元気ですね。
>
> The puppy is very energetic.

If you have been injured but have a positive optimistic outlook, you can still
be 元気. You can be physically okay but exhausted and your 気 would be drained.
If you are feeling sick, such as an infection, you would be 病気 and not 元気.

> 久しぶりです。お元気ですか？
>
> I haven’t seen you in ages. How are you doing? (Is your spirit well).
>
> はい、元気です。
>
> Yes, I’m doing great. (I have good vitality)
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answer