It describes a state of being weak, fragile, or having low resistance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe lack of physical or mental strength.
- Commonly indicates low tolerance or sensitivity to something.
- Essential adjective for daily conversations in Japanese.
Overview
- 1概要：「よわい」は、力や強さが足りない状態を指す基本的な形容詞です。物理的な強さだけでなく、精神的な脆さや、特定の対象に対する耐性の低さなど、非常に幅広い意味で使われます。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する際（例：弱い人）や、述語として（例：風が弱い）使われます。「〜に弱い」という形で、特定の対象に対して影響を受けやすい、あるいは苦手であるという意味で頻繁に用いられます。3) 一般的な文脈：健康状態、天候、性格、あるいはアルコールや特定の食べ物に対する耐性を話す際に使われます。4) 類語との比較：「軟弱」は精神的な弱さを強調し、「脆弱」は構造的な弱さを指す硬い表現です。「よわい」は日常会話で最も汎用性が高く、あらゆる場面で使用できる便利な言葉です。
Examples
彼は体が弱いです。
everydayHe is physically weak.
この建物は地震に弱いです。
formalThis building is weak against earthquakes.
私は暑さに弱いです。
informalI am sensitive to heat.
電波が弱い場所です。
academicIt is a place with a weak signal.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
弱音を吐く
To complain or give up
弱り目に祟り目
When it rains, it pours (misfortunes come together)
Often Confused With
While 'yowai' is general, 'moroi' specifically describes something that breaks or crumbles easily under pressure.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'yowai' is highly versatile and used in both formal and informal settings. It is essential to pair it with the correct particles, especially 'ni' when describing tolerance. It is a core A1 vocabulary word that appears in almost every aspect of daily life.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget the particle 'ni' when talking about tolerance. Another mistake is using 'yowai' for things that are actually 'small' (chiisai) in size. Remember that 'yowai' relates to strength, not physical dimensions.
Tips
Use with the particle 'ni'
When expressing low tolerance to something, use the pattern [Noun] + ni + yowai. For example, 'Amai mono ni yowai' means you cannot resist sweets.
Do not confuse with 'yowai' (age)
Be careful, as 'yowai' can also be written as '齢' to mean 'age'. However, this is a formal or literary usage.
Modesty in Japanese culture
Japanese people often use 'yowai' to describe their own skills or tolerance modestly. It is a way to avoid sounding arrogant.
Word Origin
The word originates from Old Japanese, related to the verb 'yowaru' (to weaken). It has consistently represented the concept of lack of force or resistance throughout history.
Cultural Context
In Japan, admitting one is 'yowai' regarding alcohol or heat is a common conversation starter. It serves as a way to build rapport by sharing personal limitations.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'yo-yo' that has lost its bounce—it has become 'yowai'. This visual helps associate the word with a lack of strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsアルコールを飲むとすぐに酔ってしまう、あるいはあまり飲めない体質であることを意味します。体質的にアルコール分解能力が低い場合によく使われる表現です。
反対語は「強い（つよい）」です。体力や能力が十分である状態を指します。
はい、正しいです。自然現象の勢いが小さい場合にも「弱い」を使います。
通常は「弱い」と書きます。ひらがなで書くこともありますが、文脈を明確にするために漢字が推奨されます。
Test Yourself
私は辛い食べ物に___です。
辛い食べ物に対する耐性がないことを表すため、「弱い」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes a state of being weak, fragile, or having low resistance.
- Used to describe lack of physical or mental strength.
- Commonly indicates low tolerance or sensitivity to something.
- Essential adjective for daily conversations in Japanese.
Use with the particle 'ni'
When expressing low tolerance to something, use the pattern [Noun] + ni + yowai. For example, 'Amai mono ni yowai' means you cannot resist sweets.
Do not confuse with 'yowai' (age)
Be careful, as 'yowai' can also be written as '齢' to mean 'age'. However, this is a formal or literary usage.
Modesty in Japanese culture
Japanese people often use 'yowai' to describe their own skills or tolerance modestly. It is a way to avoid sounding arrogant.
Examples
4 of 4彼は体が弱いです。
He is physically weak.
この建物は地震に弱いです。
This building is weak against earthquakes.
私は暑さに弱いです。
I am sensitive to heat.
電波が弱い場所です。
It is a place with a weak signal.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
