At the A1 level, you only need to know that 虚弱 (xūruò) means 'weak' in a physical way. You might use it to tell someone you are not feeling well. It is often used with '很' (hěn - very). For example, '我身体很虚弱' (My body is very weak). At this stage, don't worry about the many other words for 'weak'. Just remember that if you have been sick and have no energy to walk or play, you are 虚弱. It is a useful word for basic health needs. You can think of it as the opposite of '强壮' (qiángzhuàng - strong). If you see a sick person in a movie, they are likely 虚弱. Focus on the basic 'Subject + 很 + 虚弱' pattern to express physical tiredness due to illness.
At the A2 level, you should start to see how 虚弱 (xūruò) is used to describe specific things like '虚弱的声音' (a weak voice) or '虚弱的脉搏' (a weak pulse). You are learning to move beyond just saying 'I am sick' to describing *how* you feel. You might use it in a sentence like '手术以后,他很虚弱' (After the surgery, he is very weak). You should also learn the difference between 虚弱 and just being '累' (lèi - tired). Being '累' is after work; being '虚弱' is after being sick. You can also start using it to describe others, like an elderly person who needs help walking. This word helps you participate in more detailed conversations about health and well-being, which is a key topic at the A2 level.
At the B1 level, you should understand the internal components of 虚弱 (xūruò). The character '虚' (xū) means empty or deficient, and '弱' (ruò) means weak. This understanding helps you see why it's used in Traditional Chinese Medicine contexts. You will encounter this word in news reports about natural disasters or health crises. You should be able to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as '因为长时间没吃饭,他的身体变得非常虚弱' (Because he hasn't eaten for a long time, his body has become very weak). You should also begin to distinguish it from '软弱' (ruǎnruò), which is used for a weak personality. B1 learners should focus on using 虚弱 accurately in written descriptions of people's physical states.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 虚弱 (xūruò) in both formal and informal settings. You will see it in literature to describe a character's vulnerability. You should also understand its use in collocations like '虚弱无力' (weak and powerless) or '虚弱不堪' (extremely frail). At this level, you might encounter the word in metaphorical senses, such as describing a '虚弱的经济' (a weak economy), though this is less common than other terms. You should be able to explain the difference between 虚弱 and '衰弱' (shuāiruò), noting that '衰弱' often implies a long-term decline. Your usage should reflect a deeper understanding of the word's somber and serious tone in Chinese culture.
At the C1 level, you should master the subtle nuances of 虚弱 (xūruò) in academic and professional contexts. For instance, in a medical report or a historical analysis, you might use it to describe the physical state of a population during a siege or famine. You should be able to use it fluently in complex grammatical structures and understand its role in creating atmosphere in creative writing. You should also be aware of classical Chinese influences where '虚' and '弱' might appear in different combinations. C1 learners should be able to discuss the cultural implications of '虚' (deficiency) in the context of Chinese wellness and how that differs from Western medical concepts of 'weakness'.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 虚弱 (xūruò). You can use it with precision in any context, from a highly technical medical discussion to a poetic description of a fading sunset (metaphorically). you understand the historical evolution of the characters and can recognize the word in various registers, including archaic or highly formal texts. You can effortlessly distinguish it from all synonyms (衰弱, 软弱, 孱弱, 脆弱, 薄弱) based on the exact context and desired emotional impact. Your use of the word is not just about communication but about stylistic choice, using 虚弱 to evoke specific cultural and emotional responses in your audience.

虚弱 30秒で

  • Used for physical weakness due to illness or lack of food.
  • Commonly paired with 'body', 'pulse', and 'voice'.
  • Different from 'ruǎnruò' (mental weakness) and 'ruǎn' (soft objects).
  • A formal and empathetic word often heard in medical contexts.

The Chinese term 虚弱 (xūruò) is a primary adjective used to describe a profound state of physical debility, frailty, or lack of strength. It is composed of two distinct characters that provide a deep insight into its meaning. The first character, 虚 (xū), originally refers to emptiness, a void, or being hollow. In a medical or physiological context, it suggests that the body's vital energy, or 'qi', is deficient. The second character, 弱 (ruò), simply means weak, feeble, or young. When combined, 虚弱 paints a picture of a person whose internal resources have been depleted, leaving them in a state where they lack the stamina to perform basic tasks. This word is most frequently encountered in healthcare settings, literature describing illness, or daily conversations about one's recovery from a rigorous event.

Physical Condition
It is used to describe the state of a patient after a major surgery or a long bout with a fever. For example, '他的身体非常虚弱' (His body is very weak).
Constitutional Frailty
It can describe someone who is naturally prone to illness or has a delicate constitution, often seen in the elderly or those with chronic conditions.
Metaphorical Depletion
While primarily physical, it can occasionally describe a system or an organization that lacks the necessary foundation to function effectively, though other terms are more common for abstract weakness.

大病初愈,他的脸色看起来非常虚弱。(Just recovered from a serious illness, his complexion looks very frail.)

Understanding the nuance of 虚弱 requires recognizing that it is not just about a temporary lack of energy, like being tired after a workout (which would be 累 lèi). Instead, it implies a systemic lack of vitality. If you say someone is 虚弱, you are suggesting they might need bed rest, medical attention, or a long period of recuperation. It is a word that carries a certain weight of concern and empathy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of '虚' (deficiency) is central to diagnosis, which is why this word feels very grounded in Chinese cultural views of health and the balance of the body.

这位老人的呼吸变得越来越虚弱。(The old man's breathing became increasingly weak.)

Usage in Literature
In novels, authors use this word to evoke pity or to emphasize the vulnerability of a character, often pairing it with descriptions of pale skin or trembling hands.

To use 虚弱 correctly, one must avoid using it for things that are physically 'soft' like a pillow (use 软 ruǎn) or for people who are 'weak-willed' (use 软弱 ruǎnruò). The focus is almost always on the physiological state. Whether it is a pulse that is hard to find or a person who cannot stand up without help, 虚弱 is the definitive term for this lack of physical integrity.

Using 虚弱 (xūruò) effectively involves understanding its role as a stative verb (adjective) and its common pairings. In Chinese, adjectives often function like verbs, meaning you don't always need the word 'to be' (是 shì) before them. Instead, you use intensifiers like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 十分 (shífēn) to link the subject to the adjective.

The Basic Structure
Subject + Adverb of Degree + 虚弱. For example: '他的身体很虚弱' (His body is very weak). This is the most common way to describe someone's health status.
As a Modifier
虚弱的 + Noun. When you want to describe a 'weak person' or a 'weak voice', you use the particle 的 (de). Example: '虚弱的病人' (A weak patient) or '虚弱的声音' (A weak voice).

由于长时间没有进食,他感到全身虚弱无力。(Due to not eating for a long time, he felt weak and powerless throughout his whole body.)

A key aspect of using 虚弱 is its association with specific body parts or functions. You will often see it paired with 身体 (shēntǐ - body), 气息 (qìxī - breath), 脉搏 (màibó - pulse), or 意志 (yìzhì - will, though less common). When describing a pulse as 'weak', 虚弱 is the standard medical term. When describing a voice that is barely audible due to lack of strength, 虚弱的声音 is perfectly appropriate.

手术后,她需要几个月的时间来调理虚弱的身体。(After the surgery, she needs several months to nurse her weak body back to health.)

In more advanced contexts, you might see 虚弱 used in a four-character idiom-like structure: 虚弱不堪 (xūruò bùkān), which means 'unbearably weak' or 'extremely frail'. This adds a level of intensity to the description. Another common pattern is '感到虚弱' (to feel weak), which focuses on the subjective experience of the person rather than just an objective observation by someone else.

Negation
To say someone is NOT weak, you would say '不虚弱'. However, it is more natural to say they are '强壮' (qiángzhuàng - strong) or '健康' (jiànkāng - healthy).

Finally, consider the environment. If you are in a hospital, you will use 虚弱 to describe patients. If you are reading a historical drama, the emperor might be described as 身体虚弱 to explain why he cannot lead his army. The word provides a specific texture of physical exhaustion that is essential for nuanced Chinese communication.

The word 虚弱 (xūruò) is a staple of both formal and semi-formal Chinese. You won't typically hear it shouted on a playground, but you will encounter it in several specific real-world domains. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word beyond its dictionary definition.

Medical and Health Contexts
This is the most common place. Doctors use it to describe a patient's general condition. You'll hear it in phrases like '病人的生命体征很虚弱' (The patient's vital signs are very weak). In pharmacies, staff might suggest tonics (补品) for someone who is '身体虚弱'.
News and Documentaries
When reporting on famine, natural disasters, or the plight of refugees, news anchors use 虚弱 to describe the physical state of the victims. It conveys a sense of gravity and humanitarian concern.
Literature and Period Dramas
Chinese literature, especially classical or tragedy-focused works, frequently uses 虚弱 to describe tragic heroes or dying characters. In TV dramas (C-dramas), a character who has been poisoned or injured will often be described as '气脉虚弱' (weak pulse and breath).

医生说,由于失血过多,他的脉搏现在非常虚弱。(The doctor said that due to excessive blood loss, his pulse is currently very weak.)

In daily life, if you are talking to a friend who has just had the flu, you might say, '你看上去还有点虚弱,多休息吧' (You still look a bit weak, get more rest). It sounds more caring and formal than simply saying they look tired. It acknowledges that their health has been compromised. You might also hear it in the context of the elderly; families often discuss how to care for an '身体虚弱的老人' (a physically frail elderly person).

在饥荒期间,许多孩子变得极其虚弱。(During the famine, many children became extremely weak.)

Furthermore, in the realm of fitness or martial arts, a coach might point out a '虚弱的环节' (weak link) in a student's posture or strength, though this is a slightly more metaphorical application. In summary, wherever there is a discussion about the lack of physical vitality, energy, or structural integrity of a living being, 虚弱 will be the word of choice.

For English speakers, the word 'weak' has a very broad range of meanings. However, in Chinese, this range is split among several different words. The most common mistake is using 虚弱 (xūruò) in contexts where it doesn't belong. Let's break down these pitfalls to ensure your Chinese sounds natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing Physical and Mental Weakness
Many learners use 虚弱 to describe someone who is easily persuaded or lacks courage. This is incorrect. For a 'weak' personality or character, you should use 软弱 (ruǎnruò). 虚弱 is almost strictly for physical health.
Mistake 2: Using it for Physical Softness
If a bed is 'weak' (meaning soft or not firm), or if a piece of fruit is 'weak' (soft), do not use 虚弱. Use 软 (ruǎn). 虚弱 implies a lack of life force, not a tactile quality.
Mistake 3: Lack of Skill or Ability
If you are 'weak' at math or 'weak' at tennis, use 差 (chà) or 不行 (bùxíng). Saying your math is 虚弱 would sound like your math has a fever and needs to lie down!

Incorrect: 他的性格很虚弱。(His character is very weak.)
Correct: 他的性格很软弱。(His character is very weak/spineless.)

Another nuance is the difference between 虚弱 and 薄弱 (bóruò). 薄弱 is used for things like 'weak foundations', 'weak links in a chain', or 'weak awareness'. It refers to a lack of strength in a structural or abstract sense. If you say a country's defense is 虚弱, it sounds like the soldiers are all sick. If you say it is 薄弱, it means the defense system itself is not strong enough.

Incorrect: 这里的信号很虚弱。(The signal here is very weak.)
Correct: 这里的信号很。(The signal here is very weak.)

Finally, watch out for the intensity. 虚弱 is a strong word. Don't use it just because you're a little sleepy after lunch. Using it too lightly can make you sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for times when someone is genuinely unwell or physically compromised.

To master Chinese, you must be able to choose the right 'shade' of a word. While 虚弱 (xūruò) is the general term for physical weakness, several other words occupy similar semantic space. Understanding the differences will allow you to be more descriptive and accurate.

虚弱 (xūruò) vs. 衰弱 (shuāiruò)
虚弱 usually describes a temporary or constitutional state of weakness (like after an illness). 衰弱 (decline/weaken) implies a progressive worsening or a loss of function, often due to old age or a long-term degenerative process. You 'become' 衰弱 over time.
虚弱 (xūruò) vs. 软弱 (ruǎnruò)
This is the most important distinction. 虚弱 is physical. 软弱 is mental or psychological. A person who can't stand up is 虚弱; a person who can't say 'no' to a bully is 软弱.
虚弱 (xūruò) vs. 孱弱 (chánruò)
孱弱 is more literary and often describes someone who is naturally thin, frail, and delicate in appearance. It has a more descriptive, almost poetic feel compared to the more 'medical' 虚弱.

他的神经系统变得非常衰弱。(His nervous system has become very weak/declined.)

There is also the simple word 弱 (ruò). This is the root of many of these words and can be used on its own for things like 'weak light' (弱光) or 'weak acid' (弱酸). However, when referring to a person's health, on its own is often too vague, which is why we use the compound 虚弱 to specify the type of weakness.

他虽然看起来很孱弱,但意志却很坚定。(Although he looks frail, his will is very firm.)

In summary, while 虚弱 is your 'go-to' word for health-related weakness, being aware of 衰弱, 软弱, and 孱弱 will help you navigate the complexities of Chinese descriptions much more effectively. Each word carries its own emotional and contextual baggage that enriches the language.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, 'xu' (虚) is a specific diagnostic category meaning a deficiency of vital substances like Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang.

発音ガイド

UK /ɕy¹ ʐwɔ⁴/
US /ɕy¹ ʐwɔ⁴/
The primary stress is on the second syllable 'ruò' in spoken sentences.
韻が合う語
居 (jū) 区 (qū) 需 (xū) 若 (ruò) 错 (cuò) 落 (luò) 过 (guò) 阔 (kuò)
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks' or 'z'.
  • Pronouncing 'u' as 'oo' (it should be the rounded 'ü').
  • Failing to make the fourth tone drop sharply enough on 'ruò'.
  • Confusing the 'r' in 'ruo' with an English 'r' (it's more friction-heavy in Mandarin).
  • Ignoring the high level nature of the first tone 'xu'.

難易度

読解 3/5

The characters are common but 'ruo' can be tricky to write.

ライティング 4/5

The character 'ruo' (弱) has many strokes and requires practice.

スピーキング 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the 'ü' sound.

リスニング 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in medical or health contexts.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

累 (lèi) 病 (bìng) 身体 (shēntǐ) 很 (hěn) 不 (bù)

次に学ぶ

软弱 (ruǎnruò) 衰弱 (shuāiruò) 强壮 (qiángzhuàng) 健康 (jiànkāng) 调理 (tiáolǐ)

上級

孱弱 (chánruò) 羸弱 (léiruò) 元气 (yuánqì) 补 (bǔ)

知っておくべき文法

Adverbs of Degree

他【非常】虚弱。

Attributive 'de'

【虚弱的】身体。

Resultative Complement

他病得【很虚弱】。

Causal conjunctions

【由于】生病,他很虚弱。

Adverbial 'de'

他【虚弱地】招了招手。

レベル別の例文

1

他很虚弱。

He is very weak.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

2

我不虚弱。

I am not weak.

Negative form: Subject + 不 + Adjective.

3

你身体虚弱吗?

Is your body weak?

Question form using 吗.

4

她生病了,很虚弱。

She is sick and very weak.

Connecting two simple clauses.

5

吃点东西就不虚弱了。

Eat something and you won't be weak anymore.

Using 就 to show a result.

6

老爷爷很虚弱。

The grandfather is very weak.

Describing an elderly person.

7

他的手很虚弱。

His hand is very weak.

Describing a specific body part.

8

因为没睡觉,我很虚弱。

Because I didn't sleep, I am very weak.

Using 因为 (because) to explain the state.

1

手术后,他的身体非常虚弱。

After the surgery, his body is very weak.

Time phrase + Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

2

她用虚弱的声音说话。

She speaks with a weak voice.

Using 虚弱 as an attributive modifier.

3

感冒让他感到很虚弱。

The flu made him feel very weak.

Using 让 (to make/cause).

4

这个虚弱的病人需要休息。

This weak patient needs rest.

Adjective + 的 + Noun.

5

他的脉搏听起来很虚弱。

His pulse sounds very weak.

Subject + 听起来 (sounds like) + Adjective.

6

老人虚弱地走着。

The old man walked weakly.

Using 地 to form an adverbial.

7

虽然他很虚弱,但他还在笑。

Although he is very weak, he is still smiling.

Using 虽然...但是... (although...but...).

8

你看起来比昨天虚弱。

You look weaker than yesterday.

Comparison using 比.

1

长期的营养不良使他变得虚弱。

Long-term malnutrition made him become weak.

Subject + 使 (make) + Object + 变得 (become) + Adjective.

2

由于失血过多,她现在极其虚弱。

Due to excessive blood loss, she is now extremely weak.

Using 由于 (due to) and 极其 (extremely).

3

这种虚弱的状态持续了三天。

This weak state lasted for three days.

Subject (noun phrase) + 持续 (lasted).

4

他试图站起来,但双腿虚弱无力。

He tried to stand up, but his legs were weak and powerless.

Using the four-character phrase 虚弱无力.

5

医生正在检查他虚弱的呼吸。

The doctor is checking his weak breathing.

Present continuous tense with 正在.

6

如果你感到虚弱,一定要告诉医生。

If you feel weak, you must tell the doctor.

Conditional sentence using 如果...一定... .

7

他虽然意志坚强,但身体却很虚弱。

Although his will is strong, his body is very weak.

Contrast between mental and physical states.

8

这种药可以改善身体虚弱的情况。

This medicine can improve the condition of physical weakness.

Using 改善 (improve) and 情况 (situation).

1

那场大病之后,他虚弱得连路都走不动了。

After that serious illness, he was so weak that he couldn't even walk.

Using the 虚弱得...连...都... structure.

2

在饥荒中,人们的生命显得如此虚弱。

In the famine, people's lives appeared so frail.

Using 显得 (appear/seem) and 如此 (so/such).

3

他的声音虽然虚弱,但每一个字都很清晰。

Although his voice was weak, every word was clear.

Complex contrast with 每一个字.

4

病人的气息微弱,身体极度虚弱。

The patient's breath is faint and the body is extremely weak.

Using parallel descriptions with 微弱 and 极度.

5

这种长期的精神压力让他变得虚弱不堪。

This long-term mental stress made him become unbearably weak.

Using the phrase 虚弱不堪.

6

我们不能在这个虚弱的环节上出差错。

We cannot make mistakes on this weak link.

Metaphorical use of 虚弱 in a professional context.

7

他那虚弱的身体无法承受如此剧烈的运动。

His weak body cannot withstand such intense exercise.

Using 无法承受 (cannot withstand).

8

尽管身体虚弱,他仍然坚持完成了写作。

Despite his weak physical condition, he still insisted on finishing the writing.

Using 尽管 (despite) and 仍然 (still).

1

该国的经济基础在战争后变得异常虚弱。

The country's economic foundation became exceptionally weak after the war.

Metaphorical use for abstract systems.

2

他那苍白而虚弱的脸庞透露出无尽的哀愁。

His pale and frail face revealed endless sorrow.

Literary description with 透露出.

3

在传统中医看来,这种虚弱是由于阴阳失调引起的。

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this weakness is caused by an imbalance of Yin and Yang.

Using 是由于...引起的 (is caused by).

4

她的意志力在连续的打击下显得有些虚弱。

Her willpower appeared somewhat weak under consecutive blows.

Applying 虚弱 to abstract willpower.

5

这种虚弱并非一朝一夕形成的,而是长期劳累的结果。

This weakness was not formed overnight, but is the result of long-term overwork.

Using 并非...而是... (not...but...).

6

他虚弱的辩解在有力的证据面前显得苍白无力。

His weak defense seemed pale and powerless in the face of strong evidence.

Metaphorical use for an argument or defense.

7

诗人笔下的虚弱往往象征着一种对命运的妥协。

The frailty under the poet's pen often symbolizes a compromise with fate.

Literary analysis structure.

8

通过调养,他那原本虚弱的体质得到了显著改善。

Through recuperation, his originally weak constitution was significantly improved.

Using 得到了显著改善 (received significant improvement).

1

这种虚弱的论据根本无法支撑起如此宏大的理论框架。

Such a weak argument simply cannot support such a grand theoretical framework.

High-level metaphorical usage in academic discourse.

2

他的生命已如风中残烛,虚弱得令人心碎。

His life was like a flickering candle in the wind, so weak it was heartbreaking.

Using a classical simile (风中残烛).

3

在权力的博弈中,任何虚弱的表现都可能导致致命的后果。

In the game of power, any sign of weakness can lead to fatal consequences.

Abstract application in political or strategic contexts.

4

这篇论文对虚弱的定义进行了多维度的解构与分析。

This paper conducted a multi-dimensional deconstruction and analysis of the definition of 'weakness'.

Formal academic phrasing.

5

尽管身处虚弱之境,他仍保持着人格的尊严。

Despite being in a state of frailty, he still maintained his personal dignity.

Using the literary construction 虚弱之境.

6

这种虚弱感并非源于肉体,而是源于灵魂深处的孤独。

This sense of weakness does not originate from the body, but from the loneliness deep in the soul.

Philosophical application of the term.

7

在历史的洪流中,个人的力量有时显得极其虚弱。

In the torrent of history, individual power sometimes appears extremely weak.

Metaphorical use in historical reflection.

8

他那虚弱的微笑中隐含着一种不屈的生命力。

In his faint smile, there was an implicit, unyielding vitality.

Nuanced description of complex emotions.

よく使う組み合わせ

身体虚弱
脉搏虚弱
气息虚弱
虚弱的声音
感到虚弱
极其虚弱
虚弱无力
神志虚弱
由于虚弱
虚弱的体质

よく使うフレーズ

虚弱不堪

— Extremely and unbearably weak. Often used in literary descriptions.

他被折磨得虚弱不堪。

先天虚弱

— Being born with a weak constitution. Used in medical history.

这个孩子先天虚弱,需要特别照顾。

产后虚弱

— The physical weakness a woman experiences after giving birth.

产后虚弱是正常的,需要坐月子。

病后虚弱

— The state of weakness following a major illness.

病后虚弱期间不要剧烈运动。

精神虚弱

— A state of mental exhaustion or frailty.

长期的失眠导致他精神虚弱。

意志虚弱

— Having a weak will (less common than 软弱).

他在诱惑面前意志虚弱。

虚弱多病

— Being frail and prone to many illnesses.

他从小就虚弱多病。

面色虚弱

— Having a pale or frail-looking complexion.

他的面色虚弱,看起来很忧郁。

四肢虚弱

— Weakness specifically in the limbs.

感冒让他感到四肢虚弱。

内心虚弱

— Feeling weak or insecure on the inside.

他外表强悍,内心其实很虚弱。

よく混同される語

虚弱 vs 软弱

Used for character or personality weakness.

虚弱 vs 脆弱

Used for emotional fragility or structural weakness (like glass).

虚弱 vs

Used for temporary tiredness after work.

慣用句と表現

"虚弱无力"

— Physically weak and lacking any strength. Very common in speech.

他饿了三天,现在虚弱无力。

Neutral
"虚弱不堪"

— So weak that it is unbearable or pitiful.

老人已经虚弱不堪,无法说话了。

Literary
"色厉内荏"

— Fierce in appearance but weak within. Related to '内心虚弱'.

他只是个色厉内荏的家伙。

Formal
"气息奄奄"

— At one's last gasp; very weak breath. Related to extreme 虚弱.

病人已经气息奄奄了。

Literary
"弱不禁风"

— So weak that one cannot even withstand the wind. Used for delicate people.

她长得弱不禁风的。

Descriptive
"骨瘦如柴"

— Thin as a stick; often accompanies being 虚弱.

他病得骨瘦如柴,十分虚弱。

Descriptive
"精疲力竭"

— Exhausted; can lead to a temporary state of being 虚弱.

跑完马拉松,他精疲力竭,感到很虚弱。

General
"外强中干"

— Strong on the outside but 'dry' (hollow/weak) on the inside.

这个帝国已经是外强中干了。

Formal
"危在旦夕"

— In imminent danger; often said of someone who is extremely 虚弱.

病人极度虚弱,生命危在旦夕。

Formal
"大病初愈"

— Just recovered from a serious illness; the time when one is most 虚弱.

他大病初愈,身体还很虚弱。

General

間違えやすい

虚弱 vs 薄弱

Both mean 'weak'.

薄弱 is for foundations or links; 虚弱 is for the body.

基础薄弱 vs 身体虚弱

虚弱 vs 衰弱

Both relate to health.

衰弱 implies a decline or loss of function; 虚弱 is a state of frailty.

神经衰弱 vs 身体虚弱

虚弱 vs 微弱

Both mean 'weak/faint'.

微弱 is for signals, light, or sound; 虚弱 is for physical state.

光线微弱 vs 脉搏虚弱

虚弱 vs 孱弱

Both describe physical frailty.

孱弱 is more literary and describes a thin/delicate look.

孱弱的少年 vs 虚弱的病人

虚弱 vs

Both can translate as 'weak'.

软 is for physical softness (like a pillow); 虚弱 is for health.

枕头很软 vs 身体虚弱

文型パターン

A1

Subject + 很 + 虚弱

他很虚弱。

A2

Subject + 感到 + 虚弱

我感到虚弱。

B1

由于 + [Reason] + 身体虚弱

由于没吃饭,他身体虚弱。

B2

虚弱得 + [Result]

他虚弱得走不动路。

C1

虽然...但...虚弱

虽然他意志坚定,但身体虚弱。

C2

虚弱之 + [Noun]

处于虚弱之境。

語族

名詞

虚弱感 (sense of weakness)
虚弱者 (weak person)

形容詞

虚 (empty/false)
弱 (weak)
微弱 (faint)
孱弱 (frail)

関連

虚度 (waste time)
虚心 (modest)
弱点 (weak point)
弱小 (small and weak)
减弱 (weaken)

使い方

frequency

High in medical and literature; medium in daily life.

よくある間違い
  • 他的数学很虚弱。 他的数学很差。

    You cannot be 'physically frail' at math. Use 'chà' (poor) instead.

  • 这个椅子很虚弱。 这个椅子不牢固。

    Objects are 'not firm' (bù láogù), not 'physically frail'.

  • 他是一个虚弱的人 (meaning spineless). 他是一个软弱的人。

    For personality, use 'ruǎnruò'.

  • 我虚弱了 (meaning I am tired). 我累了。

    If you just finished a run, you are 'lèi', not 'xūruò' (unless you are about to faint).

  • 信号很虚弱。 信号很弱。

    Signals are 'ruò' (weak), not 'xūruò'.

ヒント

Pairing with Body Parts

Always try to pair 虚弱 with '身体' (body) for clarity.

Don't use 'Shi'

Remember to use '很' instead of '是' before 虚弱.

Check the Context

If you mean 'weak-willed', switch to '软弱' immediately.

Recovery Context

In China, being 虚弱 often leads to people telling you to 'bu' (supplement) with soup.

The 'ü' Sound

Make sure your lips are rounded for the 'u' in 'xū'.

The Symmetry of Ruò

The character 弱 is symmetrical; notice the two identical sides.

Listen for Tone 4

The sharp drop on 'ruò' helps distinguish it from other 'ruo' sounds.

Empathy

When saying someone is 虚弱, use a soft, caring tone.

Economy usage

Only use 虚弱 for the economy in high-level formal essays.

Not for objects

Never use 虚弱 for a weak table or bridge.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of an 'Empty' (虚) shell that is 'Weak' (弱). It has no filling, so it is frail.

視覚的連想

Imagine a hollow bamboo stick (虚) that snaps easily because it is weak (弱).

Word Web

身体 (Body) 病 (Sickness) 医生 (Doctor) 累 (Tired) 强壮 (Strong) 休息 (Rest) 药 (Medicine) 脸色 (Complexion)

チャレンジ

Try to use '虚弱' in a sentence to describe how you feel after staying up all night studying.

語源

The word is a compound of '虚' (empty/hollow) and '弱' (weak). '虚' originally depicted a large hill that was hollow, and '弱' depicted young bird feathers, signifying fragility.

元の意味: A state of being hollow and lacking the strength of maturity.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

文化的な背景

Be careful not to use '虚弱' to insult someone's character; only use it to describe their health.

English speakers often use 'weak' for both personality and body, but must learn to separate them in Chinese.

Dream of the Red Chamber (Lin Daiyu is the epitome of being '虚弱' and '孱弱'). Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic manuals. Modern medical dramas on CCTV.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Hospital/Clinic

  • 脉搏虚弱
  • 生命体征虚弱
  • 身体虚弱
  • 感到虚弱

Home/Family

  • 多喝汤,你太虚弱了
  • 照顾虚弱的老人
  • 病后虚弱
  • 别太累了

Literature/Stories

  • 虚弱的微笑
  • 虚弱不堪的身躯
  • 气息虚弱
  • 苍白虚弱

News/Reports

  • 难民身体虚弱
  • 经济基础虚弱
  • 极其虚弱的状态
  • 救援虚弱的幸存者

Traditional Medicine

  • 气血虚弱
  • 体质虚弱
  • 先天虚弱
  • 调理虚弱

会話のきっかけ

"你生病以后身体还好吗?看起来还有点虚弱。(How is your body after the illness? You still look a bit weak.)"

"医生怎么说?他的脉搏真的很虚弱吗?(What did the doctor say? Is his pulse really weak?)"

"你觉得这种补品对身体虚弱的人有用吗?(Do you think this tonic is useful for people who are physically weak?)"

"为什么他看起来那么虚弱?是因为没休息好吗?(Why does he look so weak? Is it because he didn't rest well?)"

"在你的国家,人们怎么照顾虚弱的病人?(In your country, how do people take care of weak patients?)"

日記のテーマ

描述一次你感到身体虚弱的经历,你是怎么恢复的?(Describe a time you felt physically weak. How did you recover?)

你认为现代人的身体是否比以前的人更虚弱?为什么?(Do you think modern people's bodies are weaker than people in the past? Why?)

写一段话描述一个在医院里虚弱但乐观的病人。(Write a paragraph describing a weak but optimistic patient in a hospital.)

如果你看到一个虚弱的老人在街上走,你会怎么做?(If you saw a weak elderly person walking on the street, what would you do?)

讨论身体虚弱和心理压力之间的关系。(Discuss the relationship between physical weakness and mental stress.)

よくある質問

10 問

No, for a weak signal, you should use '弱' (ruò) or '不稳定' (bù wěndìng). 虚弱 is only for physical health or abstract systems like an economy.

Mostly yes. It can also describe animals. Occasionally, it describes a 'weak link' or a 'weak economy' in formal writing.

累 (lèi) is tiredness after effort. 虚弱 (xūruò) is a lack of strength due to illness or poor health. You can be 累 but still be strong (强壮).

You can say '我感到有一点虚弱' (Wǒ gǎndào yǒu yīdiǎn xūruò).

It is standard Mandarin. It's formal enough for a doctor's report but common enough for a family conversation.

No, use 软弱 (ruǎnruò) for a weak character or personality.

The opposite is 强壮 (qiángzhuàng - strong) or 健康 (jiànkāng - healthy).

虚 (xū) has 11 strokes; 弱 (ruò) has 10 strokes. Both are common characters.

Usually, yes. It can also imply extreme hunger or the natural frailty of old age.

Yes, 'xu' (虚) is a key concept in TCM referring to a deficiency in the body's vital energy.

自分をテスト 180 問

writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'His body is very weak.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'After the surgery, she felt weak.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The weak patient needs to rest.'

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writing

Translate: 'Because he didn't eat, he is very weak.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use '虚弱无力' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a short paragraph about visiting a sick friend (use 虚弱).

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writing

Explain the difference between 虚弱 and 软弱 in Chinese.

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writing

Translate: 'The old man's breathing is becoming weak.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '极其虚弱'.

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writing

Translate: 'Although he is weak, he is still working.'

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writing

Translate: 'A weak pulse is a bad sign.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use '虚弱不堪' to describe a character in a story.

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writing

Translate: 'Malnutrition causes weakness.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a dialogue between a doctor and a patient using 虚弱.

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writing

Translate: 'His voice was very weak.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The economy is very weak.'

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writing

Write a sentence about an elderly person using 虚弱.

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writing

Translate: 'I felt weak after the long walk.'

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writing

Use '先天虚弱' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Nursing the weak body back to health.'

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speaking

Pronounce '虚弱' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'His body is weak' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I feel weak' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'A weak voice' in Chinese.

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speaking

Explain to a doctor that you are weak after surgery.

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speaking

Say 'Extremely weak' in Chinese.

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speaking

Use '虚弱无力' in a sentence about exercise.

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speaking

Describe an old person as frail.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'His pulse is weak' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Don't be weak' (physically) in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'xūruò'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identify the tone of 'xū'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identify the tone of 'ruò'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence and translate: '他看起来很虚弱。'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and choose the correct meaning: '虚弱的声音'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The baby is very weak.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Weak economy.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I am weak from hunger.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'He has a weak constitution.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Don't worry, he's just a bit weak.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Identify the word: 'xūruò bùkān'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'His legs felt weak.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'A frail old lady.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Identify the tone of 'ruò'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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