In Chinese culture, describing a child as 活泼 (huópō) is one of the most common and sincere compliments. It suggests that the child is not only energetic but also healthy, smart, and developing well. It aligns with the positive, bright, and outward energy of yang (阳) from Daoist philosophy. A 活泼 child is seen as a sign of a happy and thriving family. A useful comparison is to the English word “energetic.” While a child in Western culture is often praised for being “energetic,” the term can sometimes carry a slight undertone of being hard to manage or “hyperactive.” 活泼 (huópō), especially when used for children, is almost exclusively positive. It implies a charming and delightful liveliness, not a disruptive one. Praising a friend's child with “你的孩子真活泼！” (Nǐ de háizi zhēn huópō! - Your child is so lively!) is a simple and effective way to build goodwill.
活泼 (huópō) is a versatile adjective used in many daily situations.
The connotation is overwhelmingly positive. It's an informal word but perfectly acceptable in most daily conversations and even in semi-formal contexts like a classroom or team meeting.