weak, frail

About this kanji

The kanji "弱" conveys the primary meaning of weak or frail. It is often used as an adjective, such as in the word "弱い" (よわい), which means weak. Additionally, it can function as a verb in forms like "弱る" (よわる), meaning to weaken. You will also find this kanji in compounds like "弱音" (よわね), which refers to a feeble or timid complaint, and "弱者" (じゃくしゃ), meaning a weak or vulnerable person. A useful note is that although it implies frailty, it can also describe a gentle or delicate nature, depending on the context.

Example sentences

• 彼は弱気になった。

  He became timid.

Meanings across languages

English

weak, frail

Tiếng Việt

yếu, mỏng manh

日本語

弱い, 脆い

한국어

약한, 허약한

中文

弱, 脆弱

id

lemah

th

อ่อนแอ

es

débil

fr

faible

de

schwach

pt

fraco

Common compounds

• 弱いよわいweak, frail, delicate
• 弱るよわるto weaken, to grow weak, to wane
• 弱音よわねfeeble complaint, whine
• 弱気よわきtimid, weak-kneed, fainthearted
• 弱者じゃくしゃweak person, the weak, vulnerable person
• 弱体じゃくたいweak constitution, weak body, weak (organization, system, etc.)
• 弱虫よわむしcoward, weakling, scaredy cat
• 弱点じゃくてんweak point, weakness, shortcoming