Perk up Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɝk/ /ˈəp
PERRK-UP
pˈɜːk/ /ˈʌp
PERK-UP
Definition
To become more lively, cheerful, or alert, especially after being tired or sad. It can also mean to make someone feel more energetic or interested.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal; often used about mood or energy levels. Common in phrases like 'coffee makes me perk up.' Can be used for people, animals, even things like markets ('sales perked up'). Sometimes used literally for ears or eyes becoming more alert.
Spanish: animarse - animar(se) - mejorar (estado de ánimo)Portuguese (BR): animar-se - ficar mais alerta - melhorar (disposição)Portuguese (PT): animar-se - ficar mais atento - melhorar (estado de espírito)Chinese (Simplified): 振作起来 - 提振精神 - 变得有活力Chinese (Traditional): 振作起來 - 提振精神 - 變得有活力Hindi: चौकन्ना हो जाना - उत्साहित हो जानाArabic: ينتعش - ينتبه - يتحسن (المزاج)Bengali: ঝটপট চাঙা হওয়া - মনোযোগী হয়ে ওঠাRussian: взбодриться - оживитьсяJapanese: 元気になる - 活気づくVietnamese: tỉnh táo lên - trở nên năng động hơnKorean: 기운이 나다 - 생기가 돌다Turkish: canlanmak - neşelenmekUrdu: چوکنّا ہونا - تروتازہ ہوناIndonesian: menyegarkan diri - menjadi lebih bersemangat
Example Sentences
The dog perked up when it heard the doorbell.
basic
She always perks up after her morning coffee.
basic
The children perked up when they saw the birthday cake.
basic
You look tired—maybe a walk outside will help you perk up.
natural
Sales usually perk up around the holidays.
natural
His eyes perked up when I mentioned the trip to Paris.
natural