debole en 30 segundos
- Debole means 'weak' or 'faint' in Italian.
- It is a gender-neutral singular adjective ending in -e.
- It describes physical strength, sensory intensity, and character.
- The plural form is 'deboli' for both masculine and feminine.
The Italian word debole is a fundamental adjective that primarily translates to "weak" in English. At its core, it describes a lack of physical strength, power, or intensity. However, its utility in the Italian language extends far beyond mere physical fragility, touching upon aspects of character, health, physics, and even culinary preferences. Understanding the nuances of debole is essential for any learner, as it appears in everything from medical diagnoses to weather forecasts and philosophical debates.
- Physical Strength
- When describing a person or an animal, debole indicates a lack of muscle power or overall physical vigor. It is often used to describe someone who is recovering from an illness or an elderly person who has lost their youthful strength.
Dopo l'influenza, mi sento ancora molto debole e non riesco a sollevare pesi.
- Intensity and Perception
- In the context of sensory experiences, debole describes something that is faint or low in intensity. This applies to light (luce debole), sound (voce debole), or even smells and tastes. For example, a coffee that is too watery is often called caffè debole, though annacquato is also common.
C'era una luce debole nella stanza, appena sufficiente per leggere.
- Character and Willpower
- Metaphorically, debole characterizes a person's temperament. A carattere debole suggests someone who is easily influenced, indecisive, or lacks the fortitude to stand up for themselves. It can also describe a "weak point" or vulnerability in an argument or a structure (punto debole).
L'onestà è la sua forza, ma la timidezza è il suo punto debole.
- Abstract and Technical Contexts
- In economics, we talk about a moneta debole (weak currency) or a domanda debole (weak demand). In physics, it refers to the interazione debole (weak interaction), one of the four fundamental forces of nature. This versatility makes it one of the most hardworking adjectives in the Italian lexicon.
Il segnale Wi-Fi è troppo debole in questa parte della casa.
Ho sempre avuto un debole per il cioccolato fondente.
In summary, debole is an essential building block for expressing lack of power across physical, sensory, and psychological dimensions. Whether you are describing a flickering candle, a soft voice, a fragile health condition, or a personal infatuation, this word is your primary tool. Its consistent form across genders makes it a learner-friendly entry point into Italian adjectives.
Using debole correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior as a Class II adjective (those ending in -e) and its typical placement. Unlike Class I adjectives (ending in -o/-a), debole is gender-neutral in its singular form. This simplifies its use significantly for English speakers, though the plural form deboli must still be mastered.
- Agreement with Nouns
- The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies. For singular nouns, use debole. For plural nouns, use deboli. This applies regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine.
Singular: Un uomo debole, una donna debole.
Plural: Uomini deboli, donne deboli.
- Placement in the Sentence
- In Italian, adjectives usually follow the noun. Placing debole after the noun gives it a literal, objective meaning. Placing it before the noun (though less common for this specific word) can sometimes add a more subjective or poetic tone, though in most daily contexts, it remains post-nominal.
Il paziente ha un battito debole.
- Comparative and Superlative
- To say someone is "weaker," use più debole. To say they are the "weakest," use il/la più debole. The absolute superlative "very weak" can be formed as debolissimo.
Questa squadra è più debole della nostra.
When constructing sentences, remember that debole can also function as a noun in specific idioms, such as il debole di qualcuno (someone's weakness/soft spot). In this case, it follows the rules of masculine nouns. For instance, "Il mio debole è il gelato" (My weakness is ice cream). Mastering these patterns allows you to describe everything from physical frailty to emotional preferences with precision.
The word debole is ubiquitous in Italian life, appearing in diverse settings from clinical environments to casual conversations at the bar. Understanding where you are likely to encounter it helps in grasping its various shades of meaning.
- Medical and Health Contexts
- In a pharmacy or doctor's office, you will often hear debole used to describe symptoms. Patients might say "Mi sento debole" (I feel weak/faint). Doctors might refer to difese immunitarie deboli (weak immune defenses) or a costituzione debole (weak constitution).
Hai le difese immunitarie deboli, dovresti prendere delle vitamine.
- The Weather and Environment
- Meteorologists use debole to describe light precipitation or gentle winds. You might hear piogge deboli (light rains) or venti deboli (weak winds) during a weather report on RAI or Mediaset.
Per domani sono previste deboli nevicate sulle Alpi.
- Sports and Competition
- Sports commentators frequently analyze the punto debole (weak point) of an opposing team. A player might be described as having a tiro debole (a weak shot) if it lacks power and is easily saved by the goalkeeper.
Il portiere ha parato facilmente quel tiro debole.
Finally, in the realm of technology, debole is the standard term for a poor signal. Whether it's segnale Wi-Fi debole or batteria debole (though scarica is more common for battery), you'll hear this word whenever power is lacking. Its presence in news (economic weakness), science (weak forces), and social interactions makes it a pillar of functional Italian.
While debole is straightforward, learners often stumble on gender agreement, confusion with similar adjectives, and idiomatic misinterpretations. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Italian sound more natural and precise.
- The Gender Trap
- The most common mistake for beginners is trying to change the ending to -o or -a based on the noun's gender. Remember: debole is correct for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. There is no such word as *debolo or *debola.
Una voce debola→ Una voce debole.
- Confusing 'Debole' with 'Leggero'
- In English, we sometimes use "light" and "weak" interchangeably (e.g., a light breeze, a weak breeze). In Italian, leggero refers specifically to weight or subtlety, while debole refers to a lack of force. A "light" suitcase is una valigia leggera, never debole.
Il vento è debole (correct for force), ma il pacco è leggero (correct for weight).
- Misusing 'Punto Debole'
- While "weak point" is a direct translation, in Italian punto debole is almost always used for vulnerabilities. If you want to say something is just "not your strength" (e.g., "Math isn't my strong suit"), you can say "La matematica non è il mio forte", which is often more natural than using punto debole.
Lastly, pay attention to the plural. Many learners forget that -e adjectives change to -i in the plural. "Le luci deboli" (The weak lights) is correct, while "le luci debole" is a common grammatical error. Constant practice with agreement is the key to overcoming these hurdles.
While debole is the general term for "weak," Italian offers a rich palette of synonyms that provide more specific shades of meaning. Choosing the right one can elevate your language from basic to sophisticated.
- Fragile vs. Debole
- Fragile suggests something that breaks easily (like glass or a delicate ego). Debole suggests a lack of power or energy. A bridge might be debole (structurally unsound) or fragile (made of delicate materials).
- Fiacco vs. Debole
- Fiacco implies listlessness or lack of enthusiasm. If someone is fiacco, they aren't just physically weak; they are weary or unmotivated. It's often used to describe a lackluster performance in sports or theater.
Oggi mi sento fiacco, non ho voglia di fare nulla.
- Esile vs. Debole
- Esile means slender or slim. It is often a more positive or descriptive way to say someone is physically small or thin without necessarily implying they are sickly or "weak" in a negative sense.
- Vulnerabile
- When debole refers to a point of attack or a psychological state, vulnerabile is a more formal and precise alternative. It literally means "able to be wounded."
By learning these alternatives, you can specify whether you are describing a lack of physical power (debole), a lack of energy (fiacco), a delicate physical build (esile), or a structural susceptibility (fragile). This precision is what distinguishes a fluent speaker from a beginner.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The English word 'debilitated' comes from the same Latin root as 'debole'. In Italian, 'debole' is the everyday version, while 'debilitato' is more formal.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing it as 'de-BOH-le' (wrong stress).
- Changing the final 'e' to 'o' or 'a'.
- Making the 'e' silent like in English.
- Confusing the 'o' sound with 'u'.
- Not pronouncing the final 'e' clearly.
Nivel de dificultad
Very easy to recognize and understand in text.
Easy, but remember the -e to -i plural change.
Simple to pronounce, but watch the stress on the first syllable.
Commonly used and usually clear in speech.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Adjectives ending in -e
Un uomo debole, una donna debole (no gender change).
Plural of -e adjectives
Due uomini deboli, due donne deboli (always -i).
Placement of adjectives
Una voce debole (usually after the noun).
Absolute Superlative with -issimo
Il segnale è debolissimo.
Nouns from Adjectives
Debole (adj) -> Debolezza (noun).
Ejemplos por nivel
Io sono debole oggi.
I am weak today.
Subject + verb 'essere' + adjective.
Il caffè è debole.
The coffee is weak.
'Debole' describes the intensity of the coffee.
Lui ha un braccio debole.
He has a weak arm.
Adjective follows the noun 'braccio'.
Il vento è debole.
The wind is weak.
Common weather description.
Siamo deboli dopo la corsa.
We are weak after the run.
Plural form 'deboli' agreeing with 'noi'.
Una luce debole.
A weak light.
Feminine singular noun + 'debole'.
I segnali sono deboli.
The signals are weak.
Masculine plural noun + 'deboli'.
Non essere debole!
Don't be weak!
Imperative 'non essere' + adjective.
Mi sento debole a causa della febbre.
I feel weak because of the fever.
Reflexive verb 'sentirsi' + adjective.
La sua voce era molto debole al telefono.
His voice was very weak on the phone.
Adverb 'molto' modifies 'debole'.
Qual è il tuo punto debole?
What is your weak point?
Common idiomatic expression.
Le pile della radio sono deboli.
The radio batteries are weak.
Plural agreement 'pile' and 'deboli'.
C'è una debole speranza di farcela.
There is a faint hope of making it.
Adjective before the noun for emphasis.
Il tè è troppo debole per i miei gusti.
The tea is too weak for my taste.
Adverb 'troppo' + adjective.
Hanno trovato un punto debole nel muro.
They found a weak point in the wall.
Physical use of 'punto debole'.
Il bambino è nato un po' debole.
The baby was born a bit weak.
Describing health at birth.
Ho sempre avuto un debole per i dolci siciliani.
I've always had a soft spot for Sicilian sweets.
'Un debole' used as a masculine noun.
L'economia del paese è ancora debole.
The country's economy is still weak.
Abstract use in a socio-economic context.
Non devi mostrarti debole davanti ai tuoi nemici.
You must not show yourself weak in front of your enemies.
Reflexive 'mostrarsi' + adjective.
Il segnale Wi-Fi è debole in camera mia.
The Wi-Fi signal is weak in my room.
Everyday technological context.
Ha un carattere debole e si lascia influenzare.
He has a weak character and lets himself be influenced.
Describing personality.
La luce debole dell'alba entrava dalla finestra.
The faint light of dawn was coming through the window.
Literary/descriptive use.
Il battito del cuore era debole ma costante.
The heartbeat was weak but steady.
Medical observation.
Questa è un'argomentazione molto debole.
This is a very weak argument.
Figurative use in logic/rhetoric.
La moneta nazionale si è fatta più debole rispetto al dollaro.
The national currency has become weaker compared to the dollar.
Comparative 'più debole' in finance.
Il governo ha una maggioranza debole in parlamento.
The government has a weak majority in parliament.
Political terminology.
È un uomo debole di cuore, non dargli brutte notizie.
He is a man with a weak heart, don't give him bad news.
Idiomatic 'debole di cuore' (fragile health).
La debole luce stellare non bastava a illuminare il sentiero.
The faint starlight was not enough to light the path.
Poetic placement of adjective.
Il suo punto debole è sempre stata la vanità.
His weak point has always been vanity.
Psychological analysis.
Abbiamo riscontrato una debole crescita nel settore terziario.
We found weak growth in the service sector.
Professional report language.
Si sentiva debolissimo dopo l'operazione chirurgica.
He felt extremely weak after the surgery.
Absolute superlative 'debolissimo'.
Il caffè di questa macchinetta è decisamente debole.
The coffee from this machine is definitely weak.
Colloquial critique.
La sua tesi poggia su fondamenta deboli e facilmente confutabili.
His thesis rests on weak and easily refutable foundations.
Metaphorical use in academic critique.
L'interazione debole è responsabile del decadimento beta.
The weak interaction is responsible for beta decay.
Scientific/Physics terminology.
Nonostante la debole opposizione, la legge non è passata.
Despite the weak opposition, the law did not pass.
Complex sentence structure.
Le sue scuse erano deboli e poco convincenti.
His excuses were weak and unconvincing.
Evaluating abstract concepts.
Una debole brezza marina rendeva la calura sopportabile.
A faint sea breeze made the heat bearable.
Evocative literary description.
Il sospettato ha fornito un alibi debole che è crollato subito.
The suspect provided a weak alibi that collapsed immediately.
Legal/Crime context.
Si è rivelato essere il debole anello di una catena altrimenti solida.
He turned out to be the weak link in an otherwise solid chain.
Metaphorical idiom.
La debolezza di spirito non è una colpa, ma una condizione.
Weakness of spirit is not a fault, but a condition.
Using the noun 'debolezza' (derived from debole).
L'opera riflette la debole condizione umana di fronte all'infinito.
The work reflects the weak human condition in the face of the infinite.
Philosophical/Existential register.
La debole luce del crepuscolo ammantava la città di malinconia.
The faint light of twilight cloaked the city in melancholy.
High-level descriptive prose.
Emerse un debole barlume di verità tra le tante menzogne.
A faint glimmer of truth emerged among the many lies.
Abstract literary metaphor.
Il sovrano si dimostrò troppo debole per arginare la rivolta.
The sovereign proved too weak to stem the revolt.
Historical/Narrative register.
La struttura, seppur imponente, nascondeva deboli giunture.
The structure, though imposing, hid weak joints.
Concessive clause structure.
Egli è il debole riflesso di ciò che suo padre era un tempo.
He is the weak reflection of what his father once was.
Nuanced comparison.
La domanda di beni di lusso è rimasta debole per tutto il trimestre.
Demand for luxury goods remained weak throughout the quarter.
Economic precision.
Quella debole parvenza di democrazia fu presto spazzata via.
That weak semblance of democracy was soon swept away.
Political/Historical analysis.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To have a soft spot or a crush on someone/something.
Ho un debole per il gelato al pistacchio.
— To have a heart condition or be easily frightened.
Non è un film per chi è debole di cuore.
— The weakest link in a group or system.
Dobbiamo trovare l'anello debole della catena.
Se confunde a menudo con
Leggero is for weight (light), debole is for force (weak).
Piccolo is for size (small), debole is for strength.
Sottile is for thickness (thin), debole is for intensity.
Modismos y expresiones
— To be particularly attracted to or fond of someone.
Marco ha un debole per Giulia.
informal— To have a sensitive stomach or be easily nauseated.
Non guardare quel film se sei debole di stomaco.
neutral— The 'weak sex' (refers to women, now often used ironically or considered sexist).
Non chiamarle più il sesso debole.
dated— A literal or metaphorical vulnerability.
Il tallone d'Achille era il suo punto debole.
neutral— The least reliable part of a group.
In questa squadra, lui è l'anello debole.
neutral— Weak-minded or having intellectual disabilities (can be offensive).
È un'espressione offensiva dire debole di mente.
sensitive— A passing moment of weakness or fainting.
È stata solo una debolezza passeggera per il caldo.
neutral— To give in to one's vice or favorite thing.
Ho ceduto al mio debole e ho comprato le scarpe.
informal— The weak force in particle physics.
Studiamo l'interazione debole all'università.
academic— As weak as a chick (extremely weak).
Dopo l'influenza era debole come un pulcino.
informalFácil de confundir
Both mean lacking energy.
Fiacco implies laziness or being worn out; debole is a general lack of power.
Oggi sono fiacco (tired/lazy); Il mio braccio è debole (physically weak).
Both imply something not strong.
Fragile means easily broken; debole means lacking power.
Un vetro fragile; Un segnale debole.
Both describe low intensity.
Tenue is more formal and used for light/colors/sounds; debole is more common.
Un colore tenue; Una luce debole.
Both describe physical smallness.
Esile is about build (slender); debole is about strength.
Un ragazzo esile; Un ragazzo debole.
Looks very similar.
Debile is archaic or very formal/medical; debole is standard.
Usa sempre 'debole' invece di 'debile'.
Patrones de oraciones
[Noun] è debole.
Il caffè è debole.
Mi sento [Adverb] debole.
Mi sento molto debole.
Avere un debole per [Something].
Ho un debole per la pizza.
Essere debole di [Body Part/Trait].
È debole di cuore.
Una debole [Abstract Noun] di [Something].
Una debole speranza di successo.
Seppur [Adjective], [Noun] è debole.
Seppur grande, l'esercito era debole.
Non essere [Adjective]!
Non essere debole!
Il punto debole è [Something].
Il punto debole è la batteria.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
High (Top 1000 words)
-
Una voce debola
→
Una voce debole
Adjectives ending in -e do not change to -a for feminine.
-
Il caffè è leggero (meaning weak)
→
Il caffè è debole
While 'leggero' can sometimes work, 'debole' is more precise for lack of strength in flavor.
-
I segnali debole
→
I segnali deboli
The plural of -e adjectives is always -i.
-
Un debole di cuore (meaning a coward)
→
Un debole di cuore (means physical heart condition)
In English 'weak-hearted' might mean cowardly, but in Italian it's usually medical.
-
Lui è debole (meaning thin)
→
Lui è magro / esile
Debole refers to strength, not body shape.
Consejos
One Form for All
Remember that 'debole' is gender-neutral. Don't waste time thinking about masculine or feminine singular!
Soft Spot
Use 'Ho un debole per...' to sound more like a native when talking about your hobbies or favorite foods.
Stress the Start
Always stress the 'DE'. Saying 'de-BO-le' is a common mistake that sounds very unnatural.
Weather Reports
If you hear 'debole' on the news, it usually means the weather will be mild or calm.
Synonym Choice
In formal writing, consider using 'tenue' for light/sound to sound more sophisticated than just using 'debole'.
Plural Clues
Listen for the 'i' at the end ('deboli') to know if the speaker is talking about one thing or many.
Coffee Talk
Calling an Italian's coffee 'debole' might start a long conversation about how to make proper espresso!
Opposites
Learn 'debole' and 'forte' together as a pair. It's the easiest way to remember both.
Feeling Faint
If you go to a doctor in Italy, 'Mi sento debole' is the most common way to say you feel low on energy.
Weak vs. Light
Never use 'debole' for the weight of an object. Use 'leggero' for that.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a 'DEB-utante' who is too 'DEB-ole' (weak) to carry her heavy dress. Or associate it with 'DE-B-ility'.
Asociación visual
Imagine a battery with only one red bar left. That signal is 'debole'. Or a tiny candle flickering in a big dark room.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'debole' three times today: once for a physical feeling, once for a sound or light, and once for a personal 'soft spot'.
Origen de la palabra
From the Latin 'debilis', which means 'weak' or 'frail'. It is composed of the prefix 'de-' (away from/down) and 'habilis' (able/handy).
Significado original: Literally 'not able' or 'lacking ability'.
Romance (Italic)Contexto cultural
Be careful when using 'debole' to describe people with disabilities; 'disabile' or more specific terms are preferred. 'Debole di mente' is considered offensive.
English speakers often use 'weak' for tea/coffee, just like Italians use 'debole'. However, English uses 'faint' for light/sound, where Italian prefers 'debole'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Health and Wellness
- Mi sento debole.
- Salute debole.
- Costituzione debole.
- Battito debole.
Technology
- Segnale debole.
- Batteria debole.
- Connessione debole.
- Luce debole.
Nature and Weather
- Vento debole.
- Pioggia debole.
- Corrente debole.
- Terremoto debole.
Emotions and Character
- Avere un debole per...
- Carattere debole.
- Punto debole.
- Volontà debole.
Economics
- Moneta debole.
- Mercato debole.
- Domanda debole.
- Crescita debole.
Inicios de conversación
"Hai qualche punto debole che vorresti migliorare?"
"Ti senti mai debole dopo aver fatto sport?"
"Hai un debole per qualche cibo in particolare?"
"Secondo te, qual è l'anello debole di questa azienda?"
"Preferisci il caffè forte o un po' più debole?"
Temas para diario
Descrivi una volta in cui ti sei sentito fisicamente debole. Cosa è successo?
Qual è il tuo più grande 'debole' (soft spot)? Perché ti piace così tanto?
Pensi che avere un carattere gentile sia visto come un punto debole nella società di oggi?
Scrivi di una situazione in cui hai trovato un punto debole in un problema difficile.
Come ti senti quando il segnale Wi-Fi è troppo debole e devi lavorare?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 'debole' is an adjective that ends in -e. It does not change to -a for feminine nouns. You say 'una donna debole'.
You say 'il più debole' or 'la più debole'. For example, 'Lui è il più debole del gruppo'.
Yes, 'caffè debole' is very common, although some might say 'caffè lungo' or 'annacquato' depending on why it's weak.
The noun is 'debolezza' (weakness). For example, 'La debolezza è un problema'.
Usually, but 'avere un debole per' is a positive way to talk about something you love.
Simply change the -e to -i. 'I segnali deboli', 'Le voci deboli'.
Yes, it describes light rain ('pioggia debole') or light wind ('vento debole').
'Stanco' means tired (temporary state), 'debole' means weak (can be temporary or permanent).
Yes, it can refer to a person's character flaw or a physical vulnerability.
You can say 'molto debole' or use the superlative 'debolissimo'.
Ponte a prueba 106 preguntas
Write a sentence using 'debole' to describe the Wi-Fi signal.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I have a soft spot for Italian art'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'deboli' in a sentence with 'luci' (lights).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe your 'punto debole' in one sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about feeling weak after an illness.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The coffee is too weak for me'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'weak wind'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'debole' correctly, stressing the first syllable.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell a partner: 'Ho un debole per il gelato'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen to the weather: 'Previste deboli piogge'. What should you bring?
/ 106 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'debole' is the essential Italian adjective for anything lacking strength, from a 'weak signal' (segnale debole) to a 'soft spot' (avere un debole). Remember that it doesn't change for gender in the singular!
- Debole means 'weak' or 'faint' in Italian.
- It is a gender-neutral singular adjective ending in -e.
- It describes physical strength, sensory intensity, and character.
- The plural form is 'deboli' for both masculine and feminine.
One Form for All
Remember that 'debole' is gender-neutral. Don't waste time thinking about masculine or feminine singular!
Soft Spot
Use 'Ho un debole per...' to sound more like a native when talking about your hobbies or favorite foods.
Stress the Start
Always stress the 'DE'. Saying 'de-BO-le' is a common mistake that sounds very unnatural.
Weather Reports
If you hear 'debole' on the news, it usually means the weather will be mild or calm.
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
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