Meaning
To have a delicate constitution or lack physical strength.
Cultural Background
Koreans often use 'Sasang Chejil' to explain why someone's body is weak. It's common to receive advice on which foods (like eel or ginseng) will 'strengthen' your weak body. In the competitive Korean work culture, admitting '몸이 약하다' can sometimes be seen as a lack of 'stamina' (che-ryeok), which is highly valued. The phrase is the standard way to describe a patient needing 'Boyak' (restorative herbal medicine).
Use '편이다' to be polite
Saying '몸이 약해요' can sound a bit too blunt. Adding '편이에요' (I'm on the side of...) makes it sound more natural and humble.
Don't use for objects
If a chair is weak, use '약하다' or '부실하다', but never '몸이 약하다'.
Meaning
To have a delicate constitution or lack physical strength.
Use '편이다' to be polite
Saying '몸이 약해요' can sound a bit too blunt. Adding '편이에요' (I'm on the side of...) makes it sound more natural and humble.
Don't use for objects
If a chair is weak, use '약하다' or '부실하다', but never '몸이 약하다'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and adjective form.
저는 어릴 때부터 몸___ ______ (약하다).
The subject '몸' takes the particle '이', and the adjective '약하다' conjugates to '약해요'.
Which sentence is most appropriate when declining a heavy lifting task?
무거운 짐을 좀 옮겨 주실래요?
Option B is the most natural and polite way to explain a lack of physical strength.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say '몸이 약해진 것 같아요'?
Frequent illness suggests a weakening constitution or immunity.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
몸이 약하다 vs. 몸이 아프다
Practice Bank
3 exercises저는 어릴 때부터 몸___ ______ (약하다).
The subject '몸' takes the particle '이', and the adjective '약하다' conjugates to '약해요'.
무거운 짐을 좀 옮겨 주실래요?
Option B is the most natural and polite way to explain a lack of physical strength.
When would you say '몸이 약해진 것 같아요'?
Frequent illness suggests a weakening constitution or immunity.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, use '감기에 걸렸어요' for a cold. '몸이 약하다' refers to your general constitution.
It can be sensitive. It's better to use it for yourself or someone you are close to. For others, use '기운이 없어 보이시네요' (You look like you lack energy).
Related Phrases
{체|體}{력|力}이 {약|弱}하다
similarTo have low physical stamina.
{허|虛}{약|弱}하다
specialized formTo be frail or feeble.
{몸|身}이 {튼|健}{튼|壯}하다
contrastTo have a strong, sturdy body.
