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B1 noun 6 min read

debilidad

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips debilidad in 30 Seconds

Explanation debilidad in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'debilidad' as the noun form of 'débil' (weak). Think of it as 'a weakness.' You might use it in very simple sentences to describe things you like very much, almost like a 'favorite' but stronger. For example, 'El chocolate es mi debilidad.' It is important to know that it is a feminine word (la debilidad). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just recognize it when people talk about their favorite foods or feeling a bit tired after exercise.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'debilidad' to describe physical sensations more accurately. If you are sick, you can say 'Siento debilidad' (I feel weakness). You also learn the preposition 'por' to connect the weakness to an object of affection. 'Tengo una debilidad por los perros.' You should be able to distinguish between 'fuerza' (strength) and 'debilidad'. You might also see it in simple stories to describe a character who isn't very strong or brave.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'debilidad' in various contexts: physical, emotional, and abstract. You can use it to describe a 'soft spot' for someone ('Tiene debilidad por su hija'). You should also understand its use in describing flaws in an argument or a plan. You will start to see it in news articles about the economy ('debilidad económica') or politics. You are expected to use it with different verbs like 'mostrar', 'admitir', or 'superar' (to overcome).

At the B2 level, you use 'debilidad' to discuss more complex topics like character traits or social issues. You can talk about 'debilidad de carácter' or 'debilidad institucional'. You should be able to use it in the plural ('debilidades') to list the pros and cons of a project. You will also encounter it in more formal literature where it might represent a philosophical concept of human frailty. You should know synonyms like 'fragilidad' or 'vulnerabilidad' and when to use them instead.

At the C1 level, you understand the subtle nuances of 'debilidad' in academic and professional Spanish. You can use it to describe the 'debilidad de un argumento' (the weakness of an argument) in a debate. You recognize its use in idioms and more sophisticated expressions. You understand how 'debilidad' can be used ironically or rhetorically. You can discuss the 'debilidad estructural' of a building or a system with precision, and you are aware of its clinical synonyms like 'astenia' in medical discussions.

At the C2 level, 'debilidad' is a tool for precise expression in any register. You can use it to analyze complex literary themes of human frailty vs. strength. You understand how it functions in historical contexts (e.g., the 'debilidad' of an empire leading to its fall). You can use it in highly formal legal or political documents. You are also familiar with very rare or regional variations and can use the word to convey specific emotional weight in creative writing, distinguishing it perfectly from 'flaqueza' or 'pusilanimidad'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

debilidad in 30 Seconds

Debilidad means 'weakness' and is used for physical, emotional, and abstract contexts.
It is a feminine noun: 'la debilidad'.
Use 'tener debilidad por' to express having a 'soft spot' for something.
It is the opposite of 'fortaleza' (strength).

The Spanish word debilidad is a versatile noun that English speakers will find both familiar and nuanced. At its core, it translates to 'weakness,' but its application spans from physical health to emotional preferences and philosophical concepts. Understanding this word requires looking at its two primary dimensions: the lack of strength and the presence of a specific fondness or 'soft spot' for something.

Physical State: In a medical or physical context, it describes a lack of energy or muscle power. If you have been sick with the flu, you might feel a general sense of 'debilidad' in your limbs. It is the opposite of 'fuerza' (strength) or 'vigor' (vigor).

Después de la maratón, sentí una gran debilidad en las piernas.

Emotional Soft Spot: Perhaps the most common figurative use is to describe an irresistible attraction to something. If you cannot say no to chocolate, chocolate is your 'debilidad.' This is often used with the preposition 'por'.

Mi abuelo siempre ha tenido una debilidad por sus nietos.

In a broader sense, 'debilidad' can refer to flaws in an argument, structural defects in a building, or the lack of political power in a government. It suggests a vulnerability that can be exploited or a point where something might fail. In literary contexts, it often explores the human condition—our 'debilidades' are what make us relatable and real. Whether you are discussing a character's tragic flaw in a book or your own inability to resist a second piece of cake, 'debilidad' is the perfect word to convey that specific lack of resistance or power.

Character Flaw: It can describe a lack of character or willpower. Someone who gives in to pressure easily is said to show 'debilidad de carácter'.

El líder mostró debilidad ante las críticas del público.

Using debilidad correctly involves understanding its grammatical partners. Because it is a noun, it often follows verbs like 'tener' (to have), 'sentir' (to feel), or 'mostrar' (to show). The way you link it to the object of the weakness is crucial for sounding like a native speaker.

The 'Soft Spot' Construction: When you want to say you have a weakness for something, use: [Subject] + [Verb Tener] + [una debilidad] + [por] + [Noun]. Example: 'Tengo una debilidad por el café italiano.'

Ella admite que su única debilidad son los zapatos de marca.

Physical Weakness: To describe a physical state, you often use 'sentir' or 'notar'. Example: 'Siento mucha debilidad hoy' (I feel a lot of weakness today).

La debilidad muscular puede ser un síntoma de falta de potasio.

You can also use adjectives to modify 'debilidad' to be more specific. 'Debilidad extrema' (extreme weakness), 'debilidad visual' (visual impairment/weakness), or 'debilidad mental' (mental weakness/frailty). When discussing interpersonal dynamics, showing weakness ('mostrar debilidad') is often discussed as a tactical error in negotiations or competitive environments. Conversely, in a romantic context, confessing a 'debilidad' for someone is a way of showing deep affection and vulnerability.

You will encounter debilidad in a variety of real-world scenarios in Spanish-speaking countries. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a part of daily emotional and professional life.

In the Doctor's Office: Patients frequently use this word to describe fatigue. 'Siento una debilidad generalizada' is a common way to tell a doctor you feel run down or lacking strength.

El paciente presenta una debilidad en el lado izquierdo del cuerpo.

In Social Conversations: Friends often share their 'guilty pleasures' using this word. 'Mi debilidad son las series de misterio' (My weakness is mystery series).

No me ofrezcas más postre, sabes que es mi debilidad.

In sports commentary, analysts might point out the 'debilidad defensiva' (defensive weakness) of a soccer team. In business, a SWOT analysis (FODA in Spanish) specifically looks for 'Debilidades' alongside Strengths (Fortalezas), Opportunities (Oportunidades), and Threats (Amenazas). Thus, whether you are in a boardroom in Madrid, a clinic in Mexico City, or a cafe in Buenos Aires, this word is essential for describing vulnerabilities and preferences alike.

While debilidad is a cognate of 'debility,' its usage in Spanish is much broader than the English 'debility,' which is usually restricted to medical contexts. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Confusing with 'Flojera': 'Debilidad' is a lack of strength, whereas 'flojera' (or 'pereza') is a lack of will or laziness. If you don't want to get out of bed because you are tired, it is 'debilidad'; if you don't want to because you are lazy, it is 'flojera'.

No es pereza, es debilidad por la falta de sueño.

Preposition Errors: English speakers often want to say 'weakness for' and translate it as 'debilidad para'. While 'para' can be used in some contexts, the idiomatic way to express a 'soft spot' is 'debilidad por'.

Correcto: Tengo debilidad por el chocolate. Incorrecto: Tengo debilidad a el chocolate.

Another mistake is using 'debilidad' when you mean 'desmayo' (fainting). 'Debilidad' is the state leading up to it or a general feeling, but the act of losing consciousness is 'un desmayo'. Also, remember that in Spanish, 'debilidad' isn't always negative. Having a 'debilidad' for your children or a hobby is seen as a charming human trait rather than a failure of character.

To truly master Spanish, you should know the synonyms and related terms that can replace debilidad depending on the context. This adds variety to your speech and precision to your writing.

Fragilidad (Fragility): Used when something is easily broken or delicate. While 'debilidad' refers to lack of strength, 'fragilidad' refers to the ease of being damaged. 'La fragilidad del cristal' vs. 'La debilidad de un músculo'.

Flaqueza (Weakness/Frailty): A more literary or old-fashioned term for 'debilidad'. It is often used in the plural 'flaquezas' to refer to human failings or moral weaknesses.

Todos tenemos nuestras pequeñas flaquezas.

Vulnerabilidad (Vulnerability): Focuses on the state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed. 'La debilidad del sistema' might cause its 'vulnerabilidad'.

In a medical context, you might hear 'astenia', which is the clinical term for physical weakness or lack of energy. In a psychological context, 'falta de voluntad' (lack of willpower) is a more specific way to describe a certain kind of 'debilidad de carácter'. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that fits the 'flavor' of your conversation perfectly.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'debilitate' in English shares the exact same Latin root, making it a true cognate, although 'debilidad' is much more common in daily Spanish than 'debility' is in English.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.bi.li.'ðað/

US /de.bi.li.'ðað/

Last syllable (dad)

Rhymes With

ciudad verdad libertad bondad amistad voluntad habilidad felicidad

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
Stressing the second syllable 'bi' instead of the last 'dad'.
Confusing it with the adjective 'débil'.
Pronouncing 'll' instead of 'li'.
Missing the soft 'th' sound of the middle 'd'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'debility' and the suffix '-dad' meaning '-ity'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the correct preposition 'por'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronouncing the soft 'd' and the final 'd' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, though the final 'd' may be dropped in some accents.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

débil fuerza tener sentir por

Learn Next

fortaleza vulnerabilidad fragilidad debilitar agotamiento

Advanced

pusilanimidad flaqueza astenia endeble

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -dad are always feminine.

La debilidad, la felicidad, la ciudad.

The preposition 'por' is used for emotional cause/attachment.

Debilidad por el arte.

Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun.

Una debilidad extrema (not extremo).

Pluralization of -dad ends in -dades.

Debilidad -> Debilidades.

Use of 'tener' vs 'sentir' with physical states.

Tengo debilidad (state) vs Siento debilidad (perception).

Examples by Level

El chocolate es mi debilidad.

Chocolate is my weakness.

Uses 'ser' to define a personal weakness.

No tengo mucha fuerza, siento debilidad.

I don't have much strength, I feel weakness.

Direct object of the verb 'sentir'.

La debilidad es lo opuesto a la fuerza.

Weakness is the opposite of strength.

Noun used as a subject.

Ella tiene una debilidad por los gatos.

She has a weakness for cats.

Use of 'por' to indicate the object of the weakness.

Mi debilidad son los dulces.

My weakness is sweets.

Plural agreement with the predicate 'los dulces'.

Es una debilidad pequeña.

It is a small weakness.

Modified by an adjective.

Siento debilidad en las manos.

I feel weakness in my hands.

Prepositional phrase 'en las manos'.

Su debilidad es el café.

His weakness is coffee.

Possessive adjective 'su'.

Después de correr, tengo una debilidad en las piernas.

After running, I have a weakness in my legs.

Temporal clause 'Después de correr'.

Juan tiene debilidad por su nieto más pequeño.

Juan has a soft spot for his youngest grandson.

Idiomatic use for 'soft spot'.

La debilidad de la señal de wifi es un problema.

The weakness of the wifi signal is a problem.

Abstract use for signal strength.

No llores, no muestres debilidad.

Don't cry, don't show weakness.

Imperative negative.

La enfermedad le causó mucha debilidad.

The illness caused him a lot of weakness.

Indirect object 'le'.

Es normal sentir debilidad si no comes bien.

It is normal to feel weakness if you don't eat well.

Conditional 'si'.

Su debilidad por la música clásica es conocida.

Her weakness for classical music is well-known.

Passive construction 'es conocida'.

Necesito descansar por mi debilidad física.

I need to rest because of my physical weakness.

Adjective 'física' modifying the noun.

Debemos identificar nuestra mayor debilidad para mejorar.

We must identify our greatest weakness to improve.

Infinitive 'mejorar' after 'para'.

Su debilidad por el juego le trajo muchos problemas.

His weakness for gambling brought him many problems.

Subject is the whole phrase 'Su debilidad por el juego'.

A pesar de su debilidad, el anciano intentó caminar.

Despite his weakness, the old man tried to walk.

Concession 'A pesar de'.

La debilidad del gobierno es evidente en esta crisis.

The government's weakness is evident in this crisis.

Genitive 'del gobierno'.

Confesar una debilidad puede ser un acto de valentía.

Confessing a weakness can be an act of bravery.

Infinitive as a subject 'Confesar'.

Siento una debilidad especial por la comida mexicana.

I have a special soft spot for Mexican food.

Adjective 'especial'.

La debilidad visual no le impidió ser un gran músico.

Visual impairment didn't stop him from being a great musician.

Adjective 'visual' meaning impairment.

No podemos permitir que nuestra debilidad sea explotada.

We cannot allow our weakness to be exploited.

Subjunctive 'sea explotada'.

La debilidad de las instituciones democráticas preocupa a los ciudadanos.

The weakness of democratic institutions worries the citizens.

Verb 'preocupa' agrees with 'la debilidad'.

El análisis FODA reveló varias debilidades en la empresa.

The SWOT analysis revealed several weaknesses in the company.

Plural form 'debilidades'.

Su debilidad de carácter le impide tomar decisiones difíciles.

His weakness of character prevents him from making difficult decisions.

Compound concept 'debilidad de carácter'.

La debilidad del euro frente al dólar afectó las exportaciones.

The weakness of the euro against the dollar affected exports.

Prepositional phrase 'frente al'.

Es una debilidad humana querer siempre lo que no tenemos.

It is a human weakness to always want what we don't have.

Impersonal 'Es una debilidad...'.

El equipo mostró debilidad defensiva durante todo el partido.

The team showed defensive weakness throughout the match.

Adjective 'defensiva'.

Aprovecharon la debilidad del enemigo para atacar.

They took advantage of the enemy's weakness to attack.

Preterite 'aprovecharon'.

La debilidad de sus argumentos fue expuesta por el abogado.

The weakness of his arguments was exposed by the lawyer.

Passive voice 'fue expuesta'.

La debilidad intrínseca del sistema financiero quedó al descubierto.

The intrinsic weakness of the financial system was revealed.

Adjective 'intrínseca'.

No debemos confundir amabilidad con debilidad.

We must not confuse kindness with weakness.

Comparison using 'confundir... con'.

La debilidad del mercado laboral es un síntoma de una recesión profunda.

The weakness of the labor market is a symptom of a deep recession.

Metaphorical use in economics.

Su debilidad por la retórica vacía le restó credibilidad.

His fondness for empty rhetoric diminished his credibility.

Verb 'restar' (to take away/diminish).

La novela explora la debilidad de la voluntad frente a la tentación.

The novel explores the weakness of the will in the face of temptation.

Abstract philosophical concept.

El puente colapsó debido a una debilidad estructural.

The bridge collapsed due to a structural weakness.

Compound 'debilidad estructural'.

La debilidad extrema del paciente requiere cuidados intensivos.

The patient's extreme weakness requires intensive care.

Medical context.

Hay una debilidad lógica en su planteamiento inicial.

There is a logical weakness in his initial approach.

Adjective 'lógica'.

La debilidad ontológica del ser humano es un tema recurrente en su poesía.

The human being's ontological weakness is a recurring theme in his poetry.

Highly academic adjective 'ontológica'.

Su aparente debilidad no era sino una estratagema para engañar al rival.

His apparent weakness was nothing but a stratagem to deceive the rival.

Use of 'no era sino' (was nothing but).

La debilidad de los vínculos sociales en la era digital es preocupante.

The weakness of social bonds in the digital age is worrying.

Sociological context.

El ensayo analiza la debilidad del Estado ante las corporaciones trasnacionales.

The essay analyzes the state's weakness in the face of transnational corporations.

Political science terminology.

A pesar de su debilidad física, su fortaleza espiritual era inquebrantable.

Despite his physical weakness, his spiritual strength was unshakable.

Contrast between 'debilidad' and 'fortaleza'.

La debilidad de la moneda local ha provocado una fuga de capitales.

The weakness of the local currency has caused capital flight.

Economic jargon 'fuga de capitales'.

Percibió una debilidad en el flanco derecho del ejército enemigo.

He perceived a weakness in the enemy army's right flank.

Military context.

La debilidad argumentativa del fiscal permitió la absolución del reo.

The prosecutor's argumentative weakness allowed for the defendant's acquittal.

Legal context.

Common Collocations

debilidad muscular

tener debilidad por

debilidad visual

mostrar debilidad

debilidad institucional

debilidad de carácter

sentir debilidad

debilidad extrema

debilidad económica

punto de debilidad

Common Phrases

Es mi debilidad

— Used to say you can't resist something or someone.

El helado de menta es mi debilidad.

Sentir una gran debilidad

— To feel very weak physically or to have a huge crush/fondness.

Siento una gran debilidad por mi sobrina.

Sin debilidades

— Without any flaws or weak points.

Un plan sin debilidades.

Debilidad de espíritu

— Lack of moral courage or will.

Su debilidad de espíritu lo llevó a rendirse.

En un momento de debilidad

— During a time when one lacks self-control or strength.

Lo compré en un momento de debilidad.

Debilidad por las artes

— A natural inclination or love for the arts.

Siempre tuvo debilidad por las artes plásticas.

Debilidad mental

— Often used to describe psychological frailty or cognitive issues.

La vejez trajo consigo cierta debilidad mental.

Debilidad del sistema

— Flaws in a computer system or organization.

Hackearon la debilidad del sistema.

Debilidad del pulso

— A weak heart rate or pulse.

El médico notó debilidad del pulso.

Debilidad de la luz

— Faintness or lack of brightness.

La debilidad de la luz dificultaba la lectura.

Often Confused With

debilidad vs flojera

Flojera is laziness or lack of motivation; debilidad is lack of actual strength.

debilidad vs cansancio

Cansancio is tiredness from activity; debilidad is a more profound lack of power.

debilidad vs desmayo

Desmayo is the act of fainting; debilidad is the feeling of being about to faint.

Idioms & Expressions

"Tener debilidad por alguien"

— To have a soft spot for someone, often resulting in favoritism.

El profesor tiene debilidad por los alumnos aplicados.

informal

"Sufrir de debilidad"

— To be in a state of physical ailment or exhaustion.

Sufre de debilidad crónica desde el accidente.

neutral

"Mostrar el flanco de debilidad"

— To expose one's vulnerable side in a conflict.

No muestres tu flanco de debilidad al negociar.

formal

"Pecado de debilidad"

— An error made because of lack of willpower rather than malice.

Fue solo un pecado de debilidad, no quería mentir.

literary

"Debilidad de la carne"

— Biblical/idiomatic reference to succumbing to physical temptations.

La debilidad de la carne nos hace humanos.

literary

"Ser la debilidad de alguien"

— To be the person or thing someone loves most and can't resist.

Su hija pequeña es su debilidad.

neutral

"Aprovechar la debilidad ajena"

— To take advantage of someone else's weak state.

Es feo aprovechar la debilidad ajena para ganar.

neutral

"Debilidad pasajera"

— A temporary feeling of faintness or lack of will.

Fue una debilidad pasajera por el calor.

neutral

"Encontrar la debilidad del hilo"

— To find the specific point where something is most likely to fail.

Encontramos la debilidad del hilo en su teoría.

metaphorical

"Ocultar la debilidad"

— To hide one's flaws or lack of strength.

Intentó ocultar su debilidad con gritos.

neutral

Easily Confused

debilidad vs débil

Adjective vs Noun

Débil is the adjective (weak). Debilidad is the noun (weakness). You are 'débil' but you have a 'debilidad'.

Él es débil, pero su mayor debilidad es su orgullo.

debilidad vs debilitamiento

State vs Process

Debilidad is the state of being weak. Debilitamiento is the process of becoming weak.

El debilitamiento de la moneda causó una gran debilidad económica.

debilidad vs flaqueza

Synonyms

Flaqueza is more literary and often refers to moral failings. Debilidad is more general and common.

Tuvo una flaqueza y rompió su dieta.

debilidad vs fragilidad

Synonyms

Fragilidad implies something is easy to break. Debilidad implies it lacks strength to act.

La fragilidad del cristal es peligrosa; la debilidad de la mesa es que tiene patas finas.

debilidad vs vulnerabilidad

Contextual overlap

Vulnerabilidad is the risk of being hurt. Debilidad is the internal lack of strength that causes that risk.

Su debilidad física aumentó su vulnerabilidad ante el virus.

Sentence Patterns

[N] es mi debilidad.

El fútbol es mi debilidad.

Tengo debilidad por [N].

Tengo debilidad por los zapatos.

Siento una gran debilidad en [Body Part].

Siento una gran debilidad en los brazos.

La debilidad de [Abstract N] es preocupante.

La debilidad de la economía es preocupante.

A pesar de su debilidad [Adj], logró [Verb].

A pesar de su debilidad física, logró terminar.

La debilidad [Adj] del [N] subyace en [N].

La debilidad intrínseca del sistema subyace en su falta de transparencia.

No muestres debilidad ante [N].

No muestres debilidad ante el enemigo.

Es una debilidad de [Person].

Es una debilidad de mi padre.

Word Family

Nouns

debilidad

debilitamiento

Verbs

debilitar

debilitarse

Adjectives

débil

debilitado

debilitante

deleble

endeble

flaco

frágil

vulnerable

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Estoy debilidad. → Tengo debilidad / Estoy débil.
'Debilidad' is a noun. You cannot 'be' a noun in this context; you 'have' it or you are the adjective 'débil'.
Tengo debilidad a los dulces. → Tengo debilidad por los dulces.
The correct preposition for expressing a fondness is 'por', not 'a'.
El debilidad es malo. → La debilidad es mala.
'Debilidad' is feminine, so it requires 'la' and 'mala'.
Siento mucho debilidad. → Siento mucha debilidad.
Because 'debilidad' is feminine, the quantifier 'mucho' must become 'mucha'.
Su debilidad de carácter es un problema. → Su debilidad de carácter es un problema.
Actually, this is correct, but students often try to say 'debilidad de personalidad', which is less idiomatic than 'carácter'.

Tips

Remember the Gender

Always pair 'debilidad' with feminine words. If you are describing a 'strong weakness,' it is 'debilidad fuerte,' not 'fuerte debilidad' (though 'fuerte' is neutral, words like 'pequeña' must be feminine).

The 'Soft Spot' Trick

If you want to sound like a native, stop saying 'me gusta mucho' for everything. Use 'es mi debilidad' for things you truly love. It sounds more sophisticated and passionate.

Soft D's

The 'd' in the middle of 'debilidad' is between vowels, so it should be soft. Don't let your tongue block the air completely; let it buzz slightly against your teeth.

FODA Analysis

If you work in business in a Spanish-speaking country, you will hear 'Debilidades' constantly in meetings. It is one of the four pillars of corporate strategy.

Describing Symptoms

When seeing a doctor, 'siento debilidad' is more precise than 'estoy cansado'. It tells the doctor your muscles actually feel lack of power.

Human Condition

In Spanish literature, 'la debilidad' is often used to contrast with 'la voluntad' (the will). It's a great word for analyzing characters.

Avoid Placeholder Words

Instead of saying 'problema' for everything, use 'debilidad' if the problem is specifically a lack of strength or a flaw.

Use 'Flaqueza' for Flair

In writing, use 'flaqueza' occasionally to refer to human errors. It makes your Spanish sound more literary and advanced.

Moment of Weakness

The phrase 'en un momento de debilidad' is perfect for explaining why you bought those expensive shoes or ate the whole pizza.

Cognate Power

Use your knowledge of 'debilitate' to remember this word. They are cousins! If something debilitates you, it leaves you with debilidad.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'debilitated' person. They have 'debilidad'. It sounds like 'ability' with a 'de-' prefix, meaning 'away from ability' or 'lack of ability'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant chocolate cake with a tiny person trying to push it away but failing because it is their 'debilidad'.

Word Web

débil fuerza chocolate enfermedad carácter músculo vulnerable sentir

Challenge

Try to name three of your 'debilidades' (soft spots) in Spanish using the phrase 'Tengo debilidad por...'

Word Origin

From the Latin 'debilitas', which comes from 'debilis' (weak).

Original meaning: A lack of strength or lameness.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'debilidad mental' as it can be offensive or clinically outdated in certain contexts; 'discapacidad' or 'fragilidad' might be preferred.

English speakers use 'weakness' for both physical and emotional contexts, just like 'debilidad'. However, 'soft spot' is a more common translation for the emotional use.

The Achilles' heel is often translated as 'el talón de Aquiles', his only 'debilidad'. In many telenovelas, the protagonist's 'debilidad' is their forbidden love. SWOT analysis is called 'FODA' in Spanish (Fortalezas, Oportunidades, Debilidades, Amenazas).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Health

Siento debilidad general
Debilidad en los músculos
Debilidad por falta de hierro
Debilidad tras la cirugía

Personal Preferences

Es mi gran debilidad
Tengo debilidad por los dulces
Mi debilidad son los viajes
No puedo resistir mi debilidad

Business/Professional

Identificar debilidades
Debilidad en el mercado
Debilidad del proyecto
Superar las debilidades

Politics/Economy

Debilidad de la moneda
Debilidad del gobierno
Debilidad de las leyes
Mostrar debilidad política

Interpersonal

Confesar una debilidad
Debilidad ante la presión
Debilidad por los hijos
No es debilidad, es amor

Conversation Starters

"¿Cuál es tu mayor debilidad cuando vas a un restaurante?"

"¿Alguna vez has sentido debilidad física después de un viaje largo?"

"¿Crees que mostrar debilidad es algo bueno o malo en el trabajo?"

"¿Tienes alguna debilidad por algún tipo de música en especial?"

"¿Cómo podemos convertir una debilidad en una fortaleza?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una debilidad que hayas superado en tu vida y cómo lo hiciste.

Describe tu debilidad gastronómica favorita y por qué te gusta tanto.

Reflexiona sobre la debilidad humana: ¿es una falla o una parte esencial de nosotros?

¿Qué debilidades ves en el sistema educativo actual y cómo las arreglarías?

Escribe una carta a tu mayor debilidad (un hábito, una comida, una persona).

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely! In Spanish, saying 'el chocolate es mi debilidad' is exactly like saying 'chocolate is my guilty pleasure' or 'soft spot'. It is a very common and natural way to express this in social settings.

Yes, 'debilidad' is a feminine noun. You must always use feminine articles (la, una, las, unas) and feminine adjectives (pequeña, extrema) with it. This is a rule for almost all Spanish nouns ending in -dad.

'Debilidad' refers to a lack of physical or structural strength (e.g., after being sick). 'Flojera' is more about laziness or not wanting to do something. If you can't lift a box, it's 'debilidad'; if you don't want to lift it, it's 'flojera'.

You would say 'Tengo debilidad por él'. The preposition 'por' is key here to link the feeling to the person.

Yes, you can say 'la debilidad de la señal' to describe a weak signal, although 'mala señal' or 'poca señal' are also very common.

Yes, the plural is 'debilidades'. It is used when listing multiple weak points, such as in a SWOT analysis (FODA) or when talking about various character flaws.

'Tener' (to have) and 'sentir' (to feel) are the most common. 'Mostrar' (to show) is used when talking about revealing a weakness to others.

It is a neutral word. It fits perfectly in a casual conversation about food and also in a formal medical report or economic analysis.

In most Spanish dialects, the final 'd' is very soft, almost like the 'th' in 'thin' but voiced, or it is dropped entirely in casual speech (sounding like 'de-bi-li-dá').

Use 'debilidad de' for possession or origin (debilidad de carácter, debilidad del euro). Use 'debilidad por' for an attraction or soft spot (debilidad por los dulces).