This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #9,000 most common 11 min read

病弱な

Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 病弱な in 30 Seconds

Explanation 病弱な in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Japanese. You likely know the word 'genki' (healthy/energetic) and 'byōki' (sick). 'Byōjaku' is a bit more advanced, but you can think of it as 'always byōki' or 'not genki.' It is a word used to describe a person. For example, if a child in a story is always resting in bed, they are 'byōjaku.' You should know that it is a 'na-adjective,' which means you say 'byōjaku na hito' (a sickly person). At this level, don't worry about the kanji too much. Just focus on the sound and the basic meaning: someone who is physically weak and gets sick easily. It's a useful word for describing characters in simple children's books or basic introductions. Remember, it's not about one cold; it's about a person's body being weak over a long time. You might hear it in simple anime where a character has a sick little brother or sister. It helps you understand why that character is always at home or in the hospital. Just keep it simple: byōjaku = weak health.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'byōjaku' in simple sentences to describe people's history or character traits. You should understand that it is a na-adjective and know how to use it with 'desu' or 'da.' For example, 'Kanojo wa byōjaku desu' (She is sickly). You should also be able to recognize the kanji: 病 (sick) and 弱 (weak). This is very helpful because the kanji themselves tell you the meaning. At this level, you can use 'byōjaku' to talk about yourself or others in the past tense. For instance, 'Kodomo no koro, byōjaku deshita' (I was sickly when I was a child). This is a very common way to use the word. You might also start to see it in simple reading passages about famous people's lives. It's a step up from just saying 'karada ga yowai' (my body is weak). It sounds a bit more like proper Japanese. You should also know the difference between 'byōki' (an illness) and 'byōjaku' (the state of being sickly). If you have a cold today, you are 'byōki.' If you catch a cold every month, you are 'byōjaku.'

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '病弱な' in both spoken and written Japanese. You understand the nuance that this word describes a 'constitution' (taishitsu) rather than a temporary state. You can use it to describe literary characters or explain complex personal histories. You should also be aware of common collocations like 'byōjaku-na taishitsu' (a sickly constitution) or 'byōjaku-na shōjo' (a sickly girl). At this level, you can contrast 'byōjaku' with other states. For example, 'He is sickly, but he studies very hard.' You should also be able to understand the word when used in slightly more complex grammar structures, such as 'byōjaku-na koto o riyū ni...' (using the fact that one is sickly as a reason...). You are beginning to see the word in news articles or more detailed stories. You can also start to distinguish it from synonyms like 'kyojaku' (frail) which is more formal, or 'fukenkou' (unhealthy) which implies bad habits. This word is a key part of your vocabulary for describing people in a more nuanced and empathetic way.

At the B2 level, you have a firm grasp of '病弱な' and can use it with precision. You understand its social and cultural implications, such as the 'byōjaku-kyara' trope in media. You can use the word in formal writing, such as essays or reports, to describe vulnerable populations or historical figures. You should be able to explain the etymology of the kanji and how they contribute to the word's meaning. You also understand the difference in register between 'byōjaku,' 'kyojaku,' and 'karada ga yowai.' You can use 'byōjaku' in conditional sentences, such as 'Byōjaku de nakereba, motto katsudō dekita noni' (If I weren't so sickly, I could have been more active). At this level, you should also be able to recognize the word in faster, more natural speech, such as in dramas or podcasts. You understand that while the word describes physical weakness, it doesn't necessarily imply a lack of mental strength. You can use it to create more complex and interesting character descriptions in your own writing.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '病弱な' is near-native. You can appreciate the word's use in high-level literature and classical texts. You understand how it can be used metaphorically or in very specific social contexts. You can discuss the nuances between 'byōjaku' and 'suijaku' (emaciation/weakening) or 'rōsui' (senility) with ease. You are aware of the historical context of the word and how the perception of 'sickly' people has changed in Japanese society. In your own output, you use 'byōjaku' to add flavor and depth to your descriptions. You can use it in complex academic discussions about health, sociology, or literature. You also understand the aesthetic value sometimes attached to the word in Japanese culture, such as the concept of 'sickly beauty.' You can navigate situations where the word might be sensitive or require a more polite alternative. Your use of the word is natural, and you can switch between formal and informal synonyms depending on the audience and purpose of your communication.

At the C2 level, you have mastered '病弱な' and all its related terms. You can use the word in any context, from a casual chat to a formal lecture or a creative masterpiece. You understand the subtle differences in meaning that even native speakers might struggle to explain. You can analyze the use of 'byōjaku' in the works of authors like Akutagawa Ryunosuke or Dazai Osamu, where the concept of physical frailty is often central to the narrative. You are aware of the word's placement within the broader landscape of Japanese health-related vocabulary. You can use it to express irony, empathy, or clinical observation with perfect accuracy. You also understand the word's role in the 'moe' subculture and other modern social phenomena. Your command of the word is such that you can use it to evoke specific emotions or atmospheres in your writing. Essentially, you use 'byōjaku' as a tool for sophisticated expression, fully aware of its linguistic, cultural, and historical weight.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

病弱な in 30 Seconds

Byōjaku-na means sickly or frail in health.
It is a na-adjective used to describe a person's constitution.
It differs from 'byōki' (sick) because it describes a long-term state.
Commonly used in literature, anime, and personal biographies.

The Japanese word 病弱な (byōjaku-na) is a descriptive na-adjective that primarily translates to 'sickly' or 'frail' in English. It is composed of two kanji characters: 病 (byō), meaning illness or sickness, and 弱 (jaku), meaning weak or fragile. Together, they create a term that describes a person's constitution or physical state as being prone to falling ill or lacking the robustness typical of a healthy individual. Unlike the word byōki, which refers to being currently sick with a specific ailment, 病弱な describes a long-term, inherent, or chronic state of physical vulnerability. It is a word that carries a sense of permanence or a recurring pattern of health issues rather than a temporary bout of the flu.

Grammatical Category: Na-adjective (形容動詞, keiyō-dōshi). It requires the particle 'na' when modifying a noun, as in 'byōjaku-na kodomo' (a sickly child).
Core Nuance: The nuance is often empathetic or descriptive. It isn't necessarily a negative judgment but a statement of fact regarding one's physical constitution. It is frequently used in literature and anime to describe characters who spend a lot of time in hospitals or resting at home.

In social contexts, this word is often used by parents to describe their children's early years if they frequently missed school due to colds or asthma. It can also be used in self-introductions or biographies to explain why someone might have developed certain hobbies, like reading or drawing, instead of sports. For example, a writer might say they were 病弱 as a child, which led to their love of books. This context shifts the focus from the illness itself to the lifestyle necessitated by it.

彼は子供の頃から病弱な体質で、よく学校を休んでいた。 (He has had a sickly constitution since he was a child and often stayed home from school.)

Furthermore, 病弱な can be used metaphorically or in more formal settings to describe a lack of vitality in a non-human entity, though this is rare. Most commonly, it is applied to human beings. In contemporary Japanese pop culture, there is even a specific aesthetic or character archetype known as the 'sickly character' (byōjaku-kyara), often depicted with pale skin and a delicate demeanor, which evokes a protective instinct in others. This highlights the word's ability to convey not just medical status, but also a specific social or aesthetic impression.

Kanji Breakdown: 病 (Sickness): Used in words like byōin (hospital) and byōki (illness). 弱 (Weak): Used in words like yowai (weak) and jakuten (weak point).

彼女は病弱な自分を呪うのではなく、静かな時間を大切にすることに決めた。 (Instead of cursing her frail self, she decided to cherish her quiet time.)

In summary, 病弱な is a vital word for B1 learners because it allows for more nuanced descriptions of health than the basic 'genki' (healthy) or 'byōki' (sick). It bridges the gap between medical terminology and everyday descriptive language, offering a way to talk about long-term physical states with precision and sensitivity. Understanding its use helps in reading Japanese literature and understanding character motivations in various media.

Using 病弱な (byōjaku-na) correctly requires an understanding of how na-adjectives function in Japanese syntax. Unlike i-adjectives, which can directly modify a noun, na-adjectives require the particle 'na' when they precede a noun. For example, to say 'a sickly girl,' you would say byōjaku-na shōjo. When the word is used as a predicate (at the end of a sentence), you drop the 'na' and use the appropriate form of the copula 'desu' or 'da'. For instance, 'She is sickly' becomes kanojo wa byōjaku desu.

Sentence Structure 1: Noun Modification: [病弱な] + [Noun]. Example: 病弱な子供 (Byōjaku-na kodomo) - A sickly child.
Sentence Structure 2: Predicate Use: [Subject] + [wa/ga] + [病弱] + [desu/da]. Example: 彼は病弱だ (Kare wa byōjaku da) - He is sickly.

It is also common to see 病弱 combined with other words to create compound nouns or more complex descriptions. One very frequent combination is 病弱体質 (byōjaku taishitsu), which literally means 'sickly constitution' or 'frail body type.' This is used to describe someone who is biologically predisposed to being unwell. Another common pattern is using the adverbial form 病弱に (byōjaku ni), though this is much rarer and usually appears in literary contexts to describe how someone grew up or lived.

生まれつき病弱なので、激しい運動は控えています。 (Since I have been sickly since birth, I refrain from strenuous exercise.)

When discussing the past, the past tense of the copula is used: byōjaku deshita (was sickly) or byōjaku datta. This is particularly useful in autobiographical writing. For example: 'In my childhood, I was sickly, so I spent my days in the library.' This would be: Kodomo no koro wa byōjaku datta node, toshokan de sugoshite imashita.

Negation: To say someone is NOT sickly, use 'byōjaku dewa nai' or 'byōjaku ja nai'. Example: 彼は決して病弱ではない (He is by no means sickly).

妹は病弱なふりをしているだけかもしれない。 (My sister might just be pretending to be sickly.)

Finally, consider the level of formality. While 病弱 is perfectly fine for daily conversation, in extremely formal medical reports, more specific terms like kyojaku taishitsu (frail constitution) might be used. However, for B1 learners, mastering 病弱な provides the most versatile tool for describing this specific human condition across most social scenarios.

You will encounter 病弱な (byōjaku-na) in various aspects of Japanese life and media. One of the most prominent places is in literature and storytelling. Japanese literature has a long tradition of featuring characters with a delicate or frail nature. From the classic novels of Natsume Soseki to modern light novels, the 'sickly character' often serves as a catalyst for emotional development in other characters or as a way to explore themes of mortality and the preciousness of life.

Anime and Manga: The 'byōjaku-kyara' is a staple trope. You'll hear characters described this way in shows where a sibling or a love interest has a chronic condition that keeps them in a hospital bed or confined to their room. It's a key word for understanding character backstories.
Biographies and Interviews: Famous figures, such as authors, artists, or even athletes, often reflect on their childhoods using this word. It provides context for their later strength or their choice of career.

In daily life, you might hear this word during parent-teacher conferences or when discussing family history. If a child is frequently absent, a parent might explain, 'Uchi no ko wa byōjaku na node...' (Since my child is sickly...). It's a polite and socially acceptable way to explain a lack of physical robustness without needing to give a specific medical diagnosis.

「彼は病弱な奥さんを一生懸命支えています。」 (He is working hard to support his sickly wife.)

You might also see this word in historical dramas (Jidaigeki). Characters who are noble but physically weak are often described as 病弱, contrasting their high social status with their physical limitations. This word also appears in news reports or documentaries when discussing segments of the population that are physically vulnerable, such as the 'byōjaku-na kōreisha' (frail elderly).

Clinical vs. Casual: While not a strict medical term, it is used in clinical settings to describe a patient's general history. It is less formal than 'kyojaku' but more formal than just saying 'karada ga yowai'.

「私は昔から病弱だったので、健康の大切さがよく分かります。」 (Because I have been sickly since long ago, I understand the importance of health well.)

Finally, in the world of social media, you might see people using the hashtag #病弱 or #病弱女子 (byōjaku joshi) to share their experiences with chronic illness or to participate in a specific aesthetic subculture. This shows that the word is very much alive and evolving in modern digital communication.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 病弱な (byōjaku-na) is confusing it with the general word for 'sick,' which is 病気 (byōki). While both involve illness, their usage is quite different. Byōki is a noun that refers to a specific disease or the state of being ill at a particular moment. Byōjaku is an adjective describing a person's constitution. You wouldn't say 'I have a byōjaku' because it is not a noun for an illness itself.

Mistake 1: Confusing State vs. Event: Incorrect: 風邪をひいたので、病弱です (I caught a cold, so I am byōjaku). Correct: 風邪をひいたので、病気です (I caught a cold, so I am sick). 'Byōjaku' is for people who get sick *often*, not just once.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the 'Na': Incorrect: 病弱子供 (Byōjaku kodomo). Correct: 病弱な子供 (Byōjaku-na kodomo). As a na-adjective, the 'na' is essential when modifying a noun.

Another mistake is using 病弱 to describe something that is physically weak in terms of strength, like a weak bridge or a weak signal. For physical strength or structural weakness, you should use 弱い (yowai) or もろい (moroi). 病弱 is almost exclusively reserved for human health and constitution. Using it for an object would sound very strange and personified.

Incorrect: この机は病弱なので、壊れやすい。 (This desk is sickly, so it breaks easily.) - Use 'yowai' instead.

Learners also sometimes confuse 病弱 with 虚弱 (kyojaku). While they are synonyms, kyojaku is more formal and often used in medical or official contexts (e.g., 'kyojaku jidō' - frail children in a social welfare context). 病弱 is the more common, everyday term. Using kyojaku in a casual conversation might sound overly clinical or stiff.

Mistake 3: Over-applying to Mental Health: 'Byōjaku' refers to physical health. For mental fragility, words like 'mensen' (mental) or 'kokoro ga yowai' are used. Calling someone 'byōjaku' in a mental context is usually incorrect.

彼は病弱だが、精神的にはとても強い。 (He is physically sickly, but mentally he is very strong.) - This correctly contrasts the two states.

Lastly, be careful with the intensity. 病弱 doesn't mean someone is dying; it just means they are not robust. If someone is terminally ill or in a critical state, this word is too light. In those cases, use terms like kitai (critical) or shōjō ga omoi (serious symptoms).

Understanding synonyms for 病弱な (byōjaku-na) helps you choose the right word for the right situation. While 病弱 is the go-to word for 'sickly,' other words offer different shades of meaning. The most direct alternative is 体が弱い (karada ga yowai), which literally means 'the body is weak.' This is very common in spoken Japanese and is slightly less formal than 病弱.

虚弱な (Kyojaku-na): More formal and clinical. It describes a general lack of physical strength and health. Often used in official documents or medical contexts. Comparison: Byōjaku is 'prone to illness,' while Kyojaku is 'physically frail/weak.'
ひ弱な (Hiyowaku-na): This implies a person looks weak, delicate, or even sheltered. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or condescending nuance, suggesting a lack of toughness or 'grit.'
繊細な (Sensai-na): While often translated as 'delicate' or 'sensitive,' this usually refers to a person's personality or artistic sensibility. However, it can describe a 'delicate' constitution in a more poetic or positive light than 'byōjaku'.

Another related term is 不健康な (fukenkou-na), which means 'unhealthy.' The difference is significant: byōjaku is often seen as something inherent or involuntary (like a constitution), whereas fukenkou often implies a poor lifestyle choice, like lack of sleep or a bad diet. If you say someone is fukenkou, it sounds more like a criticism of their habits.

彼は病弱なのではなく、ただの不摂生で不健康なだけだ。 (He isn't sickly; he's just unhealthy due to neglect of his health.)

For those who are weak due to old age, the term 老衰 (rōsui) refers to senility or natural decline, but 衰弱 (suijaku) is the word for 'weakening' or 'emaciation' due to illness or lack of food. These are much heavier and more serious words than 病弱. Finally, なよなよした (nayonayo shita) is a colloquial expression for someone who is 'feeble' or 'spineless,' often used to describe someone's mannerisms rather than their actual health.

Comparison Summary: Byōjaku: Prone to illness (Neutral/Empathetic). Karada ga yowai: Weak body (Casual). Kyojaku: Frail (Formal/Clinical). Fukenkou: Unhealthy (Lifestyle-based).

都会の不健康な生活よりも、田舎での生活が彼を強くした。 (Rather than the unhealthy life in the city, living in the countryside made him stronger.)

By learning these distinctions, you can avoid sounding repetitive and ensure your Japanese sounds natural and precise. Choosing 病弱 shows you understand the long-term nature of someone's health struggle, which is a key part of cultural fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'weak' (弱) depicts two young feathers, suggesting something that hasn't hardened or become strong yet.

Pronunciation Guide

UK bjoːdʑakɯna

US bjoʊdʒɑkunɑ

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'Byōjaku' typically has a Low-High-High-High pitch pattern.

Rhymes With

Kyakuna (guests) Ryaku (abbreviation) Shaku (measure) Haku (white) Gaku (learning) Raku (easy) Saku (plan) Taku (house)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'byō' as two syllables 'bi-yo'.
Making the 'u' in 'ku' too long.
Forgetting the long 'o' in 'byō'.
Confusing the 'j' sound with 'z'.
Stressing the 'na' too heavily.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require B1 knowledge. The concept is straightforward.

Writing 4/5

Remembering the 'na' and the specific kanji for 'jaku' can be tricky.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but must be used with the correct nuance.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

病気 (Byōki) 弱い (Yowai) 体 (Karada) 子供 (Kodomo) 元気 (Genki)

Learn Next

虚弱 (Kyojaku) 体質 (Taishitsu) 克服 (Kokufuku) 療養 (Ryōyō) 健康 (Kenkō)

Advanced

衰弱 (Suijaku) 老衰 (Rōsui) 不摂生 (Fusessei) 免疫 (Men'eki) 更生 (Kōsei)

Grammar to Know

Na-adjective noun modification

病弱な人 (Byōjaku-na hito)

Copula past tense

病弱でした (Byōjaku deshita)

Reasoning with 'node'

病弱なので休みます (Since I am sickly, I will be absent)

Negative 'dewa nai'

病弱ではない (Not sickly)

Te-form for 'and'

彼は病弱で、背が高い (He is sickly and tall)

Examples by Level

彼は病弱な人です。

He is a sickly person.

'Byōjaku-na' modifies 'hito' (person).

私は病弱ではありません。

I am not sickly.

Negative form: 'byōjaku dewa arimasen'.

病弱な子供はどこですか？

Where is the sickly child?

Question form using 'doko desu ka'.

田中さんは病弱です。

Mr. Tanaka is sickly.

Predicate use with 'desu'.

病弱な妹がいます。

I have a sickly younger sister.

Modifying 'imōto' (younger sister).

あの猫は病弱です。

That cat is sickly.

Applying the adjective to an animal.

病弱な人は大変です。

Sickly people have a hard time.

'Taihen' means hard or difficult.

彼は少し病弱です。

He is a little sickly.

'Sukoshi' means a little.

子供の時、とても病弱でした。

I was very sickly when I was a child.

Past tense 'deshita'.

病弱な体質を治したいです。

I want to cure my sickly constitution.

'Taishitsu' means constitution/body type.

彼女は病弱なので、あまり外に出ません。

Because she is sickly, she doesn't go out much.

Using 'node' to show reason.

病弱だった彼は、今ではとても元気です。

He who was sickly is now very healthy.

Contrast between past and present.

病弱な人には、優しい言葉が必要です。

Sickly people need kind words.

'Hitsuyō' means necessary.

弟は病弱で、学校をよく休みます。

My younger brother is sickly and often misses school.

Using the 'te-form' of the copula (de) to connect sentences.

そんなに病弱なふりをしないでください。

Please don't pretend to be so sickly.

'Furi o suru' means to pretend.

病弱な彼のために、スープを作りました。

I made soup for him, who is sickly.

'No tame ni' means for the sake of.

病弱な自分に自信が持てませんでした。

I couldn't have confidence in my sickly self.

Reflexive use: 'byōjaku-na jibun'.

彼は病弱な体を押して、仕事に行きました。

He pushed his sickly body and went to work.

'Karada o osu' means to push oneself physically.

病弱な母親を一人にするのは心配です。

I am worried about leaving my sickly mother alone.

'Hitori ni suru' means to leave alone.

昔は病弱だったなんて、信じられません。

I can't believe that you were sickly in the past.

'Nante' expresses surprise.

病弱なせいで、修学旅行に行けませんでした。

Because of being sickly, I couldn't go on the school trip.

'Sei de' means because of (negative result).

彼女は病弱ながらも、毎日笑顔で過ごしています。

Even though she is sickly, she spends every day with a smile.

'Nagara mo' means even though/despite.

病弱な子供たちのためのチャリティーイベントです。

It is a charity event for sickly children.

Modifying a plural-implied noun.

彼は病弱な家系に生まれました。

He was born into a sickly family line.

'Kakei' means family lineage.

病弱な体質を克服するために、彼はヨガを始めた。

To overcome his sickly constitution, he started yoga.

'Kokufuku suru' means to overcome.

彼女の書く小説には、よく病弱な主人公が登場する。

Sickly protagonists often appear in the novels she writes.

'Tōjō suru' means to appear (on stage/in a book).

病弱であることを言い訳にしたくはありません。

I don't want to use being sickly as an excuse.

'Iiwake ni suru' means to make an excuse.

その島には、病弱な人々が療養に来る施設がある。

On that island, there is a facility where sickly people come for recuperation.

'Ryōyō' means recuperation/medical treatment.

病弱な彼は、周囲の助けを借りながら研究を続けた。

While being sickly, he continued his research with the help of those around him.

'Nagara' combined with 'tasuke o kariru'.

長年の病弱生活から、彼は多くのことを学んだ。

He learned many things from his many years of living a sickly life.

'Byōjaku seikatsu' is a compound noun.

病弱な子供時代を過ごしたことが、彼の優しさの源だ。

Spending a sickly childhood is the source of his kindness.

'Minamoto' means source/origin.

政府は病弱な高齢者への支援を強化すべきだ。

The government should strengthen support for sickly elderly people.

'Kyōka subeki' means should strengthen.

彼は病弱な身でありながら、不屈の精神で偉業を成し遂げた。

Despite his sickly body, he achieved great things with an indomitable spirit.

'Mi de ari nagara' is a formal way to say 'despite being'.

病弱な性質が、彼の芸術に独特の繊細さを与えている。

His sickly nature gives his art a unique delicacy.

'Seishitsu' means nature/character.

近代文学において、病弱なヒロインは一つの典型である。

In modern literature, the sickly heroine is a classic archetype.

'Teikei' means archetype/standard form.

病弱な体を引きずってでも、彼は真実を求めた。

Even if he had to drag his sickly body, he sought the truth.

'Hikizutte demo' implies strong determination despite hardship.

彼の病弱さは、単なる肉体的な問題にとどまらない。

His sickliness is not limited to a mere physical problem.

'Todomaranai' means not limited to.

病弱な環境に育ったことが、彼の死生観に影響を与えた。

Growing up in a sickly environment influenced his view on life and death.

'Shiseikan' means view of life and death.

その詩人は、自らの病弱な運命を美しく詠い上げた。

The poet beautifully sang of his own sickly fate.

'Utaiageru' means to express or sing out eloquently.

病弱な状態が続くと、精神的にも追い詰められやすい。

When a sickly state continues, it's easy to be driven into a corner mentally.

'Oitsumerareru' means to be cornered.

病弱な身体性を主題に据えた彼の論考は、高い評価を受けた。

His treatise, which took sickly embodiment as its theme, received high praise.

'Shintaisei' (embodiment/corporeality) is a highly formal term.

病弱というレッテルが、本人の可能性を狭めてしまうことがある。

The label of 'sickly' can sometimes narrow an individual's potential.

'Retteru' (label) refers to social categorization.

彼は病弱な自我を抱えながら、社会との接点を模索し続けた。

While carrying a sickly ego, he continued to search for a point of contact with society.

'Jiga' (ego/self) combined with 'mosaku suru' (to grope/search).

病弱な美学を追求するあまり、彼は現実から乖離していった。

By pursuing a sickly aesthetic too much, he became alienated from reality.

'Kairi suru' means to diverge or become alienated.

この作品は、病弱な存在が放つ刹那的な輝きを捉えている。

This work captures the ephemeral brilliance emitted by sickly beings.

'Setsunateki' (ephemeral/momentary) is a sophisticated adjective.

病弱な体質を逆手に取り、彼は独自の健康法を開発した。

Taking advantage of his sickly constitution, he developed a unique health method.

'Saka-te ni toru' means to turn a disadvantage into an advantage.

病弱な運命を甘受するのではなく、彼は敢然と立ち向かった。

Rather than accepting his sickly fate, he stood up resolutely.

'Kanzen to' means resolutely/bravely.

病弱な描写の裏には、作者の深い人間愛が隠されている。

Behind the sickly descriptions, the author's deep love for humanity is hidden.

'Ura ni wa' means behind/on the reverse side.

Common Collocations

病弱な体質

病弱な子供

病弱なヒロイン

生まれつき病弱

病弱な身

病弱生活

病弱な高齢者

病弱なふり

病弱な傾向

病弱な自分

Common Phrases

病弱なので

— Because I am/someone is sickly. Used as an explanation for absence or limitations.

病弱なので、お酒は飲めません。

病弱だった頃

— When I/someone was sickly. Used to refer to a past period of poor health.

病弱だった頃の思い出。

病弱なイメージ

— A sickly image. Used to describe someone's public persona or look.

彼は病弱なイメージがあるが、実はスポーツマンだ。

病弱なせいか

— Perhaps because of being sickly. Used when guessing the cause of something.

病弱なせいか、肌がとても白い。

病弱に見える

— To look sickly. Describing someone's appearance.

今日は少し病弱に見えますね。

病弱を克服する

— To overcome sickliness. Used in success stories.

彼は努力で病弱を克服した。

病弱な家系

— A sickly family line. Referring to genetics.

うちは病弱な家系なんです。

病弱な子供時代

— A sickly childhood. A common biographical phrase.

病弱な子供時代を過ごした。

病弱を理由に

— Using sickliness as a reason.

病弱を理由に誘いを断った。

病弱な性質

— A sickly nature/disposition.

病弱な性質は父親譲りだ。

Often Confused With

病弱な vs 病気 (Byōki)

Byōki is the noun for sickness. Byōjaku is the adjective for being prone to it.

病弱な vs 弱い (Yowai)

Yowai is general weakness (strength, skill). Byōjaku is specific to health.

病弱な vs 虚弱 (Kyojaku)

Kyojaku is a formal synonym, often used for physical frailty in a broader sense.

Idioms & Expressions

"病弱な体を押して"

— To do something despite being sickly/weak. Literally 'pushing' the body.

病弱な体を押して、彼は舞台に立った。

Literary/Formal

"病弱の身"

— A state of being sickly. A set phrase often used in letters or formal self-introductions.

病弱の身ではございますが、精一杯務めます。

Very Formal

"病弱を装う"

— To feign illness or frailty to gain sympathy or avoid duty.

彼は同情を引くために病弱を装った。

Neutral

"病弱に生まれる"

— To be born with a weak constitution.

彼女は病弱に生まれたが、心は強かった。

Neutral

"病弱を嘆く"

— To lament one's own sickliness.

彼は自分の病弱を嘆いてばかりいる。

Literary

"病弱の影"

— The shadow of sickliness. Used metaphorically for a lingering sense of poor health.

彼の顔にはまだ病弱の影が残っている。

Literary

"病弱な一生"

— A life spent being sickly.

彼は病弱な一生を閉じた。

Formal

"病弱な魂"

— A sickly soul. Used in literature to describe a weak-willed or fragile spirit.

病弱な魂を癒やす旅。

Poetic

"病弱がたたり"

— One's sickliness causing trouble or bad luck.

病弱がたたり、チャンスを逃した。

Casual

"病弱を売りにする"

— To use one's sickliness as a 'selling point' or a characteristic trait.

あのアイドルは病弱を売りにしている。

Colloquial

Easily Confused

病弱な vs 不健康 (Fukenkou)

Both relate to poor health.

Fukenkou implies a bad lifestyle, while byōjaku implies a natural constitution.

彼は不健康な生活を送っている。

病弱な vs 貧弱 (Hinjaku)

Both sound like 'weakness'.

Hinjaku means poor or meager in quantity or appearance (like a thin body).

貧弱な食事。

病弱な vs 脆弱 (Zeijaku)

Both mean fragile.

Zeijaku is used for systems, structures, or security vulnerabilities.

システムの脆弱性。

病弱な vs 衰弱 (Suijaku)

Both involve physical weakness.

Suijaku is the process of weakening/wasting away due to severe illness.

彼は病気で衰弱している。

病弱な vs 軟弱 (Nanjaku)

Both mean weak.

Nanjaku refers to a weak character, lack of determination, or soft soil.

軟弱な精神。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は病弱です。

お兄さんは病弱です。

[Time] は病弱でした。

小さい頃は病弱でした。

病弱な [Noun] を [Verb]。

病弱な妹を助けます。

病弱なせいで [Negative Result]。

病弱なせいで旅行に行けなかった。

病弱な体質を [Verb]。

病弱な体質を克服したい。

病弱ながらも [Positive Action]。

病弱ながらも一生懸命働いている。

病弱な身でありながら [Result]。

病弱な身でありながら、彼は成功した。

病弱というレッテルを [Verb]。

病弱というレッテルを剥がしたい。

Word Family

Nouns

病気 (Byōki) - Sickness

弱点 (Jakuten) - Weak point

弱気 (Yowaki) - Timidity

Verbs

病む (Yamu) - To be ill

弱る (Yowaru) - To weaken

Adjectives

弱い (Yowai) - Weak

弱々しい (Yowayowashii) - Frail-looking

体質 (Taishitsu) - Constitution

健康 (Kenkō) - Health

入院 (Nyūin) - Hospitalization

療養 (Ryōyō) - Recuperation

看護 (Kango) - Nursing

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature and personal stories, less so in daily news unless referring to specific groups.

Common Mistakes

Using 'byōjaku' as a noun (e.g., Byōjaku ga arimasu). → Byōjaku desu.
'Byōjaku' is an adjective, not a noun for a disease.
Saying 'Byōjaku hito' without 'na'. → Byōjaku na hito.
It is a na-adjective and requires 'na' to modify a noun.
Using it for a temporary illness. → Byōki desu.
'Byōjaku' is for long-term constitution, not a one-time cold.
Applying it to inanimate objects like a weak chair. → Yowai isu.
'Byōjaku' is only for living beings' health.
Confusing it with 'Fukenkou'. → Byōjaku (if natural) or Fukenkou (if lifestyle).
Choosing the wrong one can sound like you are blaming the person for being sick.

Tips

Use with 'Taishitsu'

Combine 'byōjaku' with 'taishitsu' (constitution) to sound more natural when describing someone's nature.

Empathetic Tone

Use this word when you want to show you understand and sympathize with someone's long-term health struggle.

Past Tense

It's very common to use 'byōjaku datta' (was sickly) when talking about one's childhood.

Character Building

In stories, use 'byōjaku' to explain why a character is knowledgeable but physically inactive.

Softening the Blow

If 'byōjaku' feels too strong, try 'amari jōbu ja nai' (not very robust).

Context Clues

If you hear 'byōjaku', expect the conversation to involve rest, medicine, or hospitals.

Visual Kanji

The kanji 弱 (weak) looks like two fragile wings. Use this to remember the 'weak' part of 'byōjaku'.

Formal Use

In formal letters, 'byōjaku no mi' is a humble way to refer to one's own health.

Anime Tropes

Recognizing the 'byōjaku character' will help you predict certain plot points in Japanese drama.

Contrast

Regularly contrast 'byōjaku' with 'genki' to solidify the meaning of both.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Byō' as 'Beyond help' and 'Jaku' as 'Jacket'. A person who is 'Beyond help' and always needs a 'Jacket' because they are cold is 'Byōjaku' (sickly).

Visual Association

Imagine a pale child sitting by a window with a thermometer and a blanket, looking out at others playing.

Word Web

Hospital Blanket Medicine Pale skin Rest Constitution Weakness Care

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a fictional character who is 'byōjaku' but has a secret talent.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. The kanji '病' (illness) and '弱' (weak) were combined in Japan to describe a specific physical state.

Original meaning: To be weak due to illness or to have a body that easily succumbs to disease.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this to describe someone directly to their face, as it focuses on their weakness. Using 'karada ga yowai' is often softer.

In English, 'sickly' can sometimes sound slightly negative or like an insult. In Japanese, 'byōjaku' is more often empathetic.

Okita Sōji (Historical figure often depicted as byōjaku in media) Ukitake Jūshirō (Anime character from Bleach) Nagisa Furukawa (Anime character from Clannad)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a hospital/clinic

昔から病弱です。
病弱な体質なんです。
家族に病弱な人はいますか？
病弱な子供のケア。

Talking about childhood

子供の頃は病弱でした。
病弱だったので、家で本を読んでいました。
病弱だったとは思えないほど元気ですね。
病弱なせいで、運動が苦手です。

Discussing a book or movie

病弱なヒロインに感動した。
主人公が病弱だという設定。
病弱な妹を助ける物語。
病弱な描写がリアルだ。

Explaining limitations

病弱なので、無理はできません。
病弱なため、欠席します。
彼は病弱だから、優しくしてあげて。
病弱な身を案じる。

Self-improvement

病弱な自分を変えたい。
病弱を克服するために走る。
病弱だった過去を乗り越える。
病弱な体質を改善する食事。

Conversation Starters

"子供の頃、病弱でしたか？ (Were you sickly as a child?)"

"病弱な人と付き合うのは大変だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's hard to date a sickly person?)"

"アニメで好きな病弱キャラはいますか？ (Do you have a favorite sickly character in anime?)"

"病弱な体質を治すにはどうすればいいと思いますか？ (What do you think one should do to cure a sickly constitution?)"

"病弱な自分をどう思いますか？ (What do you think about your sickly self? - if applicable)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が病弱だったら、どんな趣味を持っていたと思いますか？ (If you were sickly, what kind of hobbies do you think you would have?)

病弱な子供時代を過ごした人の強みは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are the strengths of someone who spent a sickly childhood?)

病弱な友人を励ますための手紙を書いてください。 (Write a letter to encourage a sickly friend.)

『病弱』という言葉から連想するイメージを詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about the images you associate with the word 'byōjaku'.)

健康であることのありがたさを、病弱な視点から考えてみましょう。 (Let's think about the value of being healthy from a sickly person's perspective.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'byōjaku' refers to a long-term constitution. For a temporary cold, use 'byōki' or 'kaze o hiite iru'.

It is not inherently rude, but it focuses on someone's weakness. It's better to use 'karada ga yowai' when speaking directly to someone about their health.

You say 'byōjaku na hito'. Don't forget the 'na'!

'Byōjaku' is more common in daily life and literature. 'Kyojaku' is formal and clinical.

Yes, you can use it to describe a pet that has always been frail.

The most common opposite is 'kenkō' (healthy) or 'jōbu' (strong/robust).

No, that would be 'teimei' or 'fushinki'. 'Byōjaku' is for living beings.

Yes, it's a very common character trait for siblings or tragic love interests.

No, it specifically refers to physical health. A 'byōjaku' person can be very strong-willed.

It is written as 病 (sickness) and 弱 (weakness). Together: 病弱.