약해지다 in 30 Seconds
- 약해지다 means to become weak or less effective.
- It describes a process of diminishing strength.
- Used for physical things, abstract ideas, and natural phenomena.
- Contrast with '약하다' (to be weak).
- Simple Definition
- To become less strong, less powerful, or less effective.
- In Everyday Life
- You might use '약해지다' when talking about physical strength, the effectiveness of medicine, the power of a storm, or even the intensity of a feeling. It signifies a decrease in power or strength over time or due to a certain factor.
- Examples of Usage
- Imagine an athlete's stamina decreasing after a long race, a cold wind losing its force as it enters a building, or a person's resolve weakening when faced with repeated challenges. All these situations can be described using '약해지다'.
The storm is starting to 약해지다.
His grip on the rope began to 약해지다.
The medicine's effect will eventually 약해지다.
- Basic Structure
- The verb '약해지다' is often used with a subject that is experiencing a decrease in strength or effectiveness. It can also be used with a cause or reason for this weakening. The basic sentence structure often involves the subject followed by an object or adverbial phrase indicating what is weakening, and then the verb '약해지다'.
- Adding Context
- To make sentences more descriptive, you can add adverbs that describe the manner or degree of weakening, such as '점점' (gradually), '더욱' (more), or '완전히' (completely). You can also use particles like '-게' to indicate how something becomes weak, though '약해지다' itself is a complete verb.
- Verb Conjugations
- '약해지다' is an irregular verb, but its conjugation follows standard Korean verb patterns. For example, in the present tense, it becomes '약해져요' (informal polite) or '약해집니다' (formal polite). In the past tense, it becomes '약해졌어요' or '약해졌습니다'.
The wind began to 약해지다 after midnight.
After the operation, his body 약해졌어요.
If you don't rest, your immune system will 약해질 수 있습니다.
- Weather Reports
- You'll frequently hear '약해지다' in weather forecasts, especially when discussing storms, typhoons, or strong winds. For instance, a meteorologist might say, "The typhoon is expected to 약해지다 as it moves inland." This indicates the storm will lose its intensity.
- Health and Medicine
- In discussions about health, '약해지다' can refer to a person's physical strength diminishing due to illness, age, or overexertion. Doctors might also use it when explaining how the effect of medication wears off over time, saying, "The painkiller's effect will gradually 약해지다."
- Sports and Fitness
- Athletes and coaches often use this term. If an athlete is not training properly or is recovering from an injury, their muscles or stamina might 약해지다. This is why regular training is important to maintain strength.
The patient's condition began to 약해지다 after the long illness.
Without regular practice, your skills will 약해질 수 있습니다.
The once strong opposition party has 약해졌습니다.
- Confusing with '약하다' (to be weak)
- A common mistake is to confuse '약해지다' (to become weak) with '약하다' (to be weak). '약하다' describes a state of being weak, while '약해지다' describes the process of becoming weak. For example, you wouldn't say "The wind is '약하다'" if it was strong and is now becoming less so; you would say "The wind is starting to '약해지다'."
- Incorrect Conjugation
- As '약해지다' is a verb ending in '-지다', some learners might incorrectly conjugate it. For example, they might try to add '-어요' directly to '지다' without the stem '해'. The correct informal polite form is '약해져요', not '약해져요'. Similarly, the past tense is '약해졌어요', not '약해졌어요'.
- Overuse in Static Situations
- '약해지다' implies a change over time or due to an event. Using it to describe something that is inherently weak and has not changed might be incorrect. For instance, if a material is naturally brittle, you would describe it as '약하다', not as having '약해지다' unless it became more brittle over time.
Incorrect: 비가 약해요. (This means the rain itself is weak, not that it's becoming less intense.)
Correct: 비가 약해지고 있어요. (The rain is becoming weaker.)
Incorrect: 그의 의지가 약해졌습니다. (If his will was always weak.)
Correct: 그의 의지가 약해지고 있다. (His will is becoming weaker.)
- 약하다 (to be weak)
- '약하다' is an adjective that describes a state of being weak. It's used when something is inherently lacking strength or power. For example, '이 밧줄은 약하다' (This rope is weak). '약해지다' is the verb form that describes the process of becoming weak. So, if the rope starts to fray and weaken, you would say '밧줄이 약해지고 있다' (The rope is becoming weak).
- 힘이 빠지다 (to lose strength/energy)
- This phrase is often used when a person or animal loses their physical strength or energy, often due to fatigue or illness. It's a more colloquial way to express a decrease in vitality. For example, '운동을 너무 많이 해서 힘이 빠졌어요' (I exercised too much and lost my strength). While '약해지다' can also refer to physical weakness, '힘이 빠지다' specifically focuses on the loss of energy or vigor.
- 쇠퇴하다 (to decline/wane)
- '쇠퇴하다' is a more formal term used for decline, often in a more abstract or systemic sense. It's used for things like the decline of an empire, the waning of a market, or the deterioration of a culture. While it implies becoming weaker or less effective, it's not typically used for immediate physical weakening or the diminishing power of a storm. For instance, '산업이 쇠퇴하고 있다' (The industry is declining).
- 무뎌지다 (to become dull/blunted)
- This word is used when something sharp becomes dull, or when a sense or feeling becomes less acute. For example, '칼날이 무뎌졌다' (The blade became dull). It can also be used metaphorically for emotions or senses, like '감각이 무뎌지다' (senses become dull). While this implies a loss of effectiveness, it's specific to sharpness or acuteness, unlike the broader meaning of '약해지다'.
The argument 약해졌습니다 when new evidence was presented.
The old empire began to 쇠퇴하다 after its leader died.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The '-어지다' suffix is very common in Korean for expressing a change of state. For example, '예쁘다' (to be pretty) becomes '예뻐지다' (to become pretty), and '어둡다' (to be dark) becomes '어두워지다' (to become dark). This pattern helps learners understand how verbs indicating change are formed.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '지다' as '치다' (chida) - the 'ㅈ' should be voiced.
- Adding an unnatural pause between syllables.
- Mispronouncing the vowel sounds in '약' or '해'.
Difficulty Rating
Understanding '약해지다' requires grasping the concept of change of state. Its usage in various contexts, from weather to abstract ideas, can present challenges. Distinguishing it from '약하다' is key for accurate comprehension.
Using '약해지다' correctly in writing involves understanding the nuances of its application and conjugating it properly. Learners need to be mindful of the subject and the context to avoid common errors.
When speaking, learners need to produce the correct pronunciation and conjugation. The ability to use '약해지다' naturally in conversation depends on recognizing situations where it applies and choosing the appropriate tense and politeness level.
Recognizing '약해지다' in spoken Korean requires familiarity with its sound and common usage patterns. Distinguishing it from similar-sounding words or phrases can be a challenge.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The '-어지다' suffix indicates a change of state.
추웠다 (It was cold) -> 추워지다 (to become cold). 약하다 (to be weak) -> 약해지다 (to become weak).
The present progressive tense '-고 있다' is used for ongoing actions or states.
폭풍이 약해지고 있다. (The storm is weakening.)
The past tense '-었/았/였-' is used to describe completed actions or states in the past.
그의 목소리가 약해졌다. (His voice became weak.)
Connecting clauses with '-아/어서' or '-어서' to show cause and effect.
피곤해서 몸이 약해졌어요. (My body became weak because I was tired.)
Using adverbs like '점점' (gradually) or '조금씩' (little by little) with verbs indicating change.
날씨가 점점 약해지고 있다. (The weather is gradually weakening.)
Examples by Level
비가 오다가 점점 약해졌어요.
The rain, which was falling, gradually became weaker.
This sentence uses the past tense of 약해지다 (약해졌어요) with the adverb 점점 (gradually) to describe the diminishing intensity of the rain.
그의 목소리가 점점 약해졌습니다.
His voice gradually became weaker.
This uses the formal polite past tense (약해졌습니다) and the adverb 점점 (gradually) to show a weakening voice.
추운 날씨가 조금씩 약해지고 있어요.
The cold weather is gradually becoming weaker.
Here, the present progressive form (약해지고 있어요) is used with 조금씩 (little by little) to indicate an ongoing process of weakening.
그의 힘이 약해져서 더 이상 들 수 없었어요.
His strength became weak, so he couldn't lift it anymore.
This sentence links the weakening of strength (약해져서) to a consequence (더 이상 들 수 없었어요).
이 약은 시간이 지나면 약효가 약해져요.
This medicine's effect becomes weaker as time passes.
This uses the informal polite present tense (약해져요) to describe a predictable outcome of medication.
바람이 약해져서 걱정하지 않아도 돼요.
The wind has become weaker, so you don't need to worry.
This uses the past tense (약해져서) to indicate a completed action that leads to a state of relief.
그녀의 건강이 약해지고 있다는 소식을 들었어요.
I heard the news that her health is becoming weaker.
This sentence uses the present progressive form (약해지고 있다) within a reported speech structure.
마찰이 줄어들자 기계의 힘이 약해지기 시작했다.
As the friction decreased, the machine's power began to weaken.
This uses the past tense progressive (약해지기 시작했다) to show the beginning of a weakening process.
경기 침체로 인해 많은 기업들이 점차 약해지고 있다.
Due to the economic recession, many companies are gradually weakening.
This sentence uses the present progressive (약해지고 있다) with a more abstract subject (companies) and a cause (경기 침체).
지속적인 스트레스는 면역 체계를 약하게 만들 수 있다.
Continuous stress can make the immune system weaker.
This uses '약하게 만들다' which is a related construction meaning 'to make weak'. While not exactly '약해지다', it conveys a similar idea of causing weakness.
시간이 흐르면서 그의 열정도 조금씩 약해졌다.
As time passed, his passion also gradually weakened.
This uses the past tense (약해졌다) to describe the fading of an abstract quality (passion).
강력했던 태풍이 상륙하면서 세력이 약해지기 시작했다.
As the powerful typhoon made landfall, its strength began to weaken.
This uses the past tense progressive (약해지기 시작했다) to describe the diminishing power of a natural phenomenon.
고령화 사회로 접어들면서 노동력의 질이 약해질 것이라는 우려가 있다.
There are concerns that the quality of the labor force will weaken as we enter an aging society.
This uses the future tense (약해질 것이다) to express a potential consequence.
충분한 휴식 없이는 근육이 약해질 수밖에 없습니다.
Without sufficient rest, muscles inevitably become weak.
This uses the future tense (약해질 수밖에 없습니다) to indicate an unavoidable outcome.
그의 논리는 반박에 부딪히면서 점점 약해졌다.
His logic gradually weakened as it encountered rebuttals.
This uses the past tense (약해졌다) with the adverb 점점 (gradually) to describe the weakening of an argument.
오랜 투병 생활로 인해 환자의 기력이 많이 약해진 상태였다.
Due to a long period of illness, the patient's vitality had become very weak.
This uses the past participle form (약해진 상태였다) to describe a resulting state of weakness.
정부의 강력한 규제에도 불구하고, 일부 산업 분야는 점차 약해지는 경향을 보였다.
Despite strong government regulations, some industrial sectors showed a tendency to gradually weaken.
This uses the phrase '경향을 보였다' (showed a tendency) with the present progressive form '약해지는' to describe a trend.
급격한 기술 발전은 전통적인 산업의 기반을 약화시키고 있다.
Rapid technological advancements are weakening the foundation of traditional industries.
This uses the verb '약화시키다' (to weaken, to make weak), which is a causative form related to '약하다'. It's used here to show an active weakening by an external force.
그의 주장은 여러 반론에 부딪히면서 처음의 설득력을 잃고 약해졌다.
His argument lost its initial persuasiveness and weakened as it encountered various counterarguments.
This uses the past tense (약해졌다) and describes the loss of persuasiveness as a cause for weakening.
경제 위기가 장기화되면서 소비 심리가 더욱 약해지고 있다.
As the economic crisis prolonged, consumer sentiment is becoming even weaker.
This uses the adverb '더욱' (even more) with the present progressive form (약해지고 있다) to emphasize the increasing weakness.
정치적 불안정은 국가의 외교적 영향력을 점진적으로 약해지게 만들었다.
Political instability gradually made the nation's diplomatic influence weaker.
This sentence uses the construction '약해지게 만들었다' (made it weaker), combining the concept of becoming weak with the act of causing it.
인간의 기억력은 시간이 지남에 따라 자연스럽게 약해지는 경향이 있다.
Human memory naturally tends to weaken over time.
This uses the phrase '약해지는 경향이 있다' (tends to weaken) to describe a general tendency.
그녀는 어려운 상황에서도 희망을 놓지 않으려 했지만, 결국 정신력이 약해지고 말았다.
Even in difficult situations, she tried not to lose hope, but in the end, her mental strength weakened.
This uses '약해지고 말았다' which implies that something happened regrettably or inevitably.
환경 오염으로 인해 생태계의 균형이 약해지고 있다는 연구 결과가 발표되었다.
Research results were announced stating that the ecosystem's balance is weakening due to environmental pollution.
This uses the present progressive form (약해지고 있다) within a reported statement ('연구 결과가 발표되었다').
지속적인 외세의 간섭은 국가의 주권 의지를 점진적으로 약화시키고 있었다.
Continuous foreign interference was gradually weakening the nation's will for sovereignty.
This uses the more formal verb '약화시키다' (to weaken) in the past progressive tense to describe a long-term, impactful process.
급변하는 시장 환경 속에서 기업들은 끊임없이 경쟁력을 유지하기 위해 노력하지만, 일부는 결국 약해질 수밖에 없다.
In the rapidly changing market environment, companies constantly strive to maintain competitiveness, but some inevitably end up weakening.
This uses '약해질 수밖에 없다' (inevitably weaken) to express a strong sense of inevitability in a complex situation.
과거의 영광에 안주한 결과, 그 왕국은 내부로부터 서서히 약해지기 시작했다.
As a result of resting on past glories, the kingdom gradually began to weaken from within.
This uses the past tense progressive (약해지기 시작했다) to describe a process of internal decay, linked to a cause (resting on past glories).
정보의 홍수 속에서 비판적 사고 능력이 약해지고 있다는 우려의 목소리가 높다.
Amidst the flood of information, voices of concern are rising that critical thinking skills are weakening.
This uses the present progressive (약해지고 있다) to describe a perceived societal trend.
국제 사회의 제재가 강화되면서 해당 국가의 경제적 기반은 더욱 약해졌다.
As international sanctions intensified, the country's economic foundation weakened further.
This uses the adverb '더욱' (further) with the past tense (약해졌다) to indicate an intensification of the weakening.
지속적인 방치와 관심 부족으로 인해 그 문화 유산은 점차 그 가치를 약해지고 있었다.
Due to continuous neglect and lack of attention, the cultural heritage was gradually weakening in its value.
This uses the past progressive (약해지고 있었다) to describe a prolonged process of devaluation.
단순한 감정적 호소만으로는 복잡한 사회 문제를 해결할 수 없으며, 오히려 문제의 본질을 약해지게 할 뿐이다.
Mere emotional appeals cannot solve complex social problems; rather, they only serve to weaken the essence of the problem.
This uses the construction '약해지게 할 뿐이다' (only serves to weaken) to critique a method.
디지털 전환 시대에 발맞추지 못한 기업들은 경쟁력을 약화시키며 도태될 위험에 처해 있다.
Companies that have not kept pace with the digital transformation era are weakening their competitiveness and are at risk of falling behind.
This uses the verb '약화시키다' (to weaken) in a gerund form within a complex sentence structure.
제도적 관성으로 인해 개혁의 동력이 약화되고, 사회 전반의 활력이 저하될 우려가 제기된다.
Due to institutional inertia, the momentum for reform is weakening, and concerns are raised that the vitality of society as a whole is declining.
This uses '약화되고' (weakening) in conjunction with '활력이 저하될 우려' (concerns about vitality declining) to present a nuanced socio-political analysis.
역사적 맥락을 간과한 채 현재의 사건을 해석하려 들면, 문제의 본질은 왜곡되거나 약해지기 십상이다.
If one attempts to interpret current events while overlooking the historical context, the essence of the problem is prone to being distorted or weakened.
This uses '약해지기 십상이다' (is prone to weakening/becoming weak) to describe a common, negative outcome of a flawed approach.
극단적인 이념의 대립은 합리적인 논의의 장을 약화시키고, 사회적 분열을 심화시키는 결과를 초래한다.
The confrontation of extreme ideologies weakens the arena for rational discussion and results in deepening social division.
This uses the verb '약화시키고' (weakening) in a causative sense to describe the negative impact of ideological conflict.
문화적 상대주의가 지나치게 강조될 경우, 보편적 가치의 중요성이 약해지며 윤리적 혼란을 야기할 수 있다.
If cultural relativism is excessively emphasized, the importance of universal values weakens, potentially causing ethical confusion.
This uses '약해지며' (weakening and) to connect the consequence of overemphasizing cultural relativism to a potential ethical outcome.
디지털 정보의 범람 속에서 인간의 집중력과 사유 능력은 미묘하게 약해지고 있으며, 이는 장기적으로 사회적 지성에 영향을 미칠 것이다.
Amidst the deluge of digital information, human concentration and thinking abilities are subtly weakening, and this will affect societal intelligence in the long term.
This uses the adverb '미묘하게' (subtly) with the present progressive '약해지고 있으며' (are weakening and) to describe a subtle but significant trend.
권력 구조의 경직성은 새로운 아이디어의 유입을 차단하고, 조직 전체의 혁신 역량을 약화시킨다.
The rigidity of the power structure blocks the influx of new ideas and weakens the innovation capacity of the entire organization.
This uses '약화시킨다' (weakens) to describe the direct impact of a rigid power structure on innovation.
국제적 고립 심화는 그 나라의 경제적 생명력을 약화시키는 결정적인 요인이 되었다.
The deepening international isolation became a decisive factor in weakening the country's economic vitality.
This uses the past tense '약화시키는' (weakening) as a modifier describing the '결정적인 요인' (decisive factor).
진실의 상대화 경향은 사회적 신뢰의 기반을 약화시키고, 공동체의 결속을 해친다.
The tendency to relativize truth weakens the foundation of social trust and damages community cohesion.
This uses '약화시키고' (weakening and) to link the relativization of truth to its negative impact on social trust and community.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To gradually become weaker.
The storm is gradually becoming weaker.
— To lose physical strength.
After running the marathon, my legs lost strength.
— To lose determination or resolve.
Facing so many failures, his will to succeed began to weaken.
— For an effect to become less potent.
Over time, the medicine's effect became less potent.
— For momentum or intensity to decrease.
The initial excitement of the project started to decrease.
— For one's voice to become faint or weak.
He spoke so softly that his voice became weak.
— For physical stamina or endurance to decrease.
Due to lack of exercise, my physical stamina has decreased.
— For emotions to become less intense.
After some time, my anger towards him became less intense.
— For a relationship to become less strong.
We haven't seen each other in a while, and our relationship has become weaker.
— For an argument or logic to become less convincing.
His argument became less convincing when he couldn't provide evidence.
Often Confused With
'약하다' is an adjective meaning 'to be weak' (a state), while '약해지다' is a verb meaning 'to become weak' (a process). You would say '이 밧줄은 약하다' (This rope is weak) if it's inherently weak, but '밧줄이 약해지고 있다' (The rope is becoming weak) if it's degrading.
'힘이 빠지다' specifically refers to losing physical energy or vigor, often due to fatigue. '약해지다' is broader and can apply to non-physical things or a more fundamental loss of strength.
'쇠퇴하다' implies a more formal decline or deterioration, often of larger systems like economies or empires. '약해지다' is more general and can apply to immediate situations.
Idioms & Expressions
— To lose energy or spirit; to feel weak and dispirited.
He looked very tired and his spirit seemed to have weakened.
Neutral— To lose strength or energy, often due to fatigue or illness. It's a very common expression for feeling drained.
After a long day of work, I felt my strength draining away.
Informal— To lose one's spirit or drive; to become discouraged or disheartened.
When his plan failed, he lost all his drive.
Informal— To have one's momentum or spirit broken; to be discouraged.
The team's momentum was broken after they conceded the first goal.
Neutral— To breathe weakly; often used to describe someone who is very ill or near death.
As the patient's condition worsened, their breathing became weak.
Formal/Medical— To lose one's willpower or determination.
Under pressure, his resolve began to falter.
Neutral— To lose one's strength and vitality; to become frail, especially due to old age or illness.
The elderly man had lost much of his strength and vitality.
Formal— Literally 'to fade in color', but used metaphorically to mean that something (like a reputation, glory, or effectiveness) is diminishing or becoming less prominent.
The glory of the past has faded.
Literary— To be unable to do something due to lack of strength; to be beyond one's strength.
This task is beyond my strength.
Neutral— To have no energy; to feel listless or weak.
I have no energy today.
InformalEasily Confused
Both words relate to weakness.
'약하다' describes a state of being weak. It's an adjective. '약해지다' describes the process or action of becoming weak. It's a verb. For example, '그는 약하다' means 'He is weak.' '그는 약해지고 있다' means 'He is becoming weak.'
이 벽은 약하다. (This wall is weak.) vs. 이 벽이 시간이 지나면서 약해지고 있다. (This wall is becoming weak over time.)
Both relate to a decrease in strength or energy.
'힘이 빠지다' specifically refers to losing physical energy or vigor, often due to fatigue or illness. It's more about feeling drained. '약해지다' is broader and can refer to a more fundamental loss of strength, power, or effectiveness, and can apply to non-physical things.
너무 더워서 힘이 빠졌어요. (I lost my energy because it was too hot.) vs. 나이가 들면서 힘이 약해졌어요. (My strength became weak as I got older.)
Both involve a process of decline.
'쇠퇴하다' is a more formal term used for the decline of abstract entities like industries, economies, or empires. It implies a gradual deterioration or falling into decay. '약해지다' is more general and can be used for immediate situations, physical objects, or personal feelings.
그 제국은 쇠퇴하기 시작했다. (That empire began to decline.) vs. 그의 주장이 약해지기 시작했다. (His argument began to weaken.)
Both imply a decrease in effectiveness or sharpness.
'무뎌지다' specifically means to become dull (like a knife) or for a sense or feeling to become less acute or sensitive. '약해지다' is a more general term for becoming less strong or less effective overall.
칼날이 무뎌졌다. (The blade became dull.) vs. 그의 목소리가 약해졌다. (His voice became weak.)
Both describe a process of diminishing intensity.
'사그라들다' is typically used for things that die down or fade away gradually, like flames, anger, noise, or emotions. '약해지다' is more about losing inherent strength or power.
화가 사그라들었다. (The anger subsided.) vs. 폭풍이 약해졌다. (The storm weakened.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 약해지다.
비가 약해졌어요.
Subject + 점점 + 약해지다.
목소리가 점점 약해졌어요.
Subject + -아/어서 + 약해지다.
피곤해서 힘이 약해졌어요.
Subject + -고 있다.
태풍이 약해지고 있어요.
Subject + -ㄹ/을 것이다.
그의 건강이 약해질 거예요.
Subject + -는 경향이 있다.
시간이 지나면 효과가 약해지는 경향이 있다.
Subject + -게 만들다.
스트레스는 면역 체계를 약하게 만들 수 있다.
Subject + -게/게 + 되다.
그는 결국 약해지게 되었다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common
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Using '약하다' when '약해지다' is needed.
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'약하다' describes a state of being weak, while '약해지다' describes the process of becoming weak. You need to use '약해지다' when indicating a change.
For example, if a storm was strong and is now becoming less intense, you say '폭풍이 약해지고 있다' (The storm is weakening), not '폭풍이 약하다' (The storm is weak).
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Incorrect conjugation of '-어지다'.
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The correct informal polite present tense is '약해져요', and the past tense is '약해졌어요'.
Some learners might mistakenly conjugate it as '약해져요' or '약해졌어요'. Remember the stem is '약해지-' and the correct conjugation follows standard patterns.
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Confusing '약해지다' with '힘이 빠지다' in all contexts.
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'힘이 빠지다' specifically refers to losing physical energy or vigor due to fatigue. '약해지다' is more general and can apply to a broader range of situations, including abstract concepts.
While you might say '너무 더워서 힘이 빠졌어요' (I lost my energy because it was too hot), you would say '나이가 들면서 힘이 약해졌어요' (My strength became weak as I got older) for a more fundamental loss of strength.
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Using '약해지다' for something that is inherently weak and unchanging.
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If something is naturally weak and has not undergone a change, use the adjective '약하다'.
'약해지다' implies a transition from a stronger state to a weaker one. If a material is inherently brittle, it is '약하다', not '약해졌다' unless it became more brittle over time.
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Overuse of the formal '약화되다' in casual conversation.
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In everyday conversation, '약해지다' is the more common and natural choice.
'약화되다' is typically used in formal writing, news reports, or academic contexts. Using it in casual conversation can sound unnatural or overly stiff.
Tips
Process vs. State
Remember that '약해지다' describes a process of becoming weak, while '약하다' describes the state of being weak. Use '약해지다' when you want to emphasize the change or transition from strong to weak.
Conjugation
The verb stem is '약해지-'. Pay attention to the conjugation for different tenses and politeness levels: 약해져요 (present informal polite), 약해졌어요 (past informal polite), 약해질 거예요 (future informal polite).
Visual Association
Imagine a strong, vibrant flower wilting. This visual of something losing its former vitality and firmness can help you remember the meaning of '약해지다' as a process of becoming weaker.
Syllable Flow
Practice saying '약-해-지-다' smoothly. The '지' sound is a voiced affricate, similar to the 'j' in 'judge'. Focus on connecting the syllables naturally.
Distinguish from '힘이 빠지다'
While '힘이 빠지다' also means losing strength, it often refers specifically to losing physical energy due to fatigue. '약해지다' is more general and can apply to a wider range of situations, including abstract concepts.
Describe Changes
Use '약해지다' to describe any situation where something that was once strong or effective is now becoming less so. This could be anything from a decreasing battery level to a fading memory.
Explore Related Words
Learn related words like '쇠퇴하다' (to decline) and '무뎌지다' (to become dull) to expand your vocabulary and understand nuances in meaning. '약해지다' is often the most direct and versatile option.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using '약해지다' in different tenses and contexts. This active practice is crucial for internalizing the word's usage.
Common Contexts
Listen for '약해지다' in discussions about weather, health, sports, and abstract concepts like weakened arguments or declining influence. Recognizing these contexts will help you understand its application.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a strong warrior who starts to get tired after a long battle. His armor starts to look a bit loose, and his stance begins to '약해지다' (yak-hae-ji-da). Think of the 'yak' sound like a tired sigh, 'hae' like 'having' lost some strength, and 'ji-da' like the feeling of giving in.
Visual Association
Picture a wilting flower. The vibrant petals are starting to droop, losing their color and firmness. This visual represents the process of '약해지다' – something losing its former vitality and strength.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five things in your surroundings that are currently '약해지고' or have '약해졌어요' in the past. This could be the battery on your phone, a plant that needs water, or even a friendship that hasn't been nurtured.
Word Origin
The verb '약해지다' is formed by combining the adjective '약하다' (to be weak) with the auxiliary verb '-어지다' (-eojida). The '-어지다' suffix is used to indicate a change of state or the process of becoming something.
Original meaning: The base word '약하다' comes from Old Korean. The addition of '-어지다' transforms the state of being weak into the action of becoming weak.
KoreanCultural Context
While '약해지다' itself is neutral, its application can be sensitive. Describing a person as '약해지다' without context might be seen as judgmental. It's generally used to describe objective changes (like a storm weakening) or as a result of specific conditions (like illness or age).
In English, we use phrases like 'to weaken,' 'to grow weaker,' 'to diminish,' 'to fade,' or 'to lose strength.' The Korean '약해지다' captures this process of change from strength to weakness.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Weather phenomena
- 폭풍이 약해지고 있다.
- 바람이 약해졌다.
- 태풍의 세력이 약해졌다.
Physical condition of people/animals
- 나이가 들어 힘이 약해지다.
- 병 때문에 체력이 약해지다.
- 운동 부족으로 근육이 약해지다.
Effectiveness of things
- 약의 효과가 약해지다.
- 논리가 약해지다.
- 집중력이 약해지다.
Abstract concepts (will, power, etc.)
- 의지가 약해지다.
- 권력이 약해지다.
- 결속력이 약해지다.
Processes of decline or fading
- 열정이 약해지다.
- 목소리가 약해지다.
- 기세가 약해지다.
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever noticed how the weather can change from strong to weak? What Korean word do we use for that?"
"When you exercise regularly, what happens to your body? Does it get stronger or weaker?"
"Think about a time you were very tired. Did you feel stronger or weaker?"
"What's the difference between something that 'is weak' and something that 'is becoming weak' in Korean?"
"Can you think of a time when a medicine's effect started to lessen? How would you say that in Korean?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a natural phenomenon you've experienced that started strong and then became weak. Use '약해지다' in your description.
Reflect on a time your physical strength or energy decreased. How did you feel, and how would you express this change in Korean?
Think about a goal you had. Did your determination ever weaken? Describe that experience using '약해지다'.
Consider something that was once very effective but is now less so. What is it, and how has it changed? Use '약해지다' in your explanation.
Imagine a character in a story who is facing a difficult challenge. How might their resolve weaken over time, and how would you describe this process in Korean?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'약하다' (yak-ha-da) is an adjective meaning 'to be weak' and describes a state. For example, '이 끈은 약하다' (This string is weak). '약해지다' (yak-hae-ji-da) is a verb meaning 'to become weak' and describes a process of change. For example, '이 끈이 점점 약해지고 있다' (This string is gradually becoming weak). Think of '약하다' as a description of what something IS, and '약해지다' as describing how it IS BECOMING.
Yes, absolutely. '약해지다' is very versatile. You can say someone's '의지가 약해지다' (will becomes weak), their '열정이 약해지다' (passion weakens), or even that an argument or logic '약해지다' (becomes weak or less convincing) when challenged. It's used whenever there's a process of diminishing strength or effectiveness, whether physical or abstract.
'약해지다' conjugates like other verbs ending in '-지다'. For the present tense informal polite, it's '약해져요'. For the past tense informal polite, it's '약해졌어요'. For the future tense informal polite, it's '약해질 거예요'. Remember the stem is '약해지-'.
You'll often hear '약해지다' when talking about weather (storms weakening), physical health (someone becoming weaker due to illness or age), the effectiveness of medicine wearing off, or even in politics or economics to describe a decrease in power or influence. It's used whenever something that was strong is becoming less so.
Yes, the verb '약화되다' (yak-hwa-doe-da) is a more formal passive verb that means 'to be weakened'. It's often used in news reports, academic writing, or official documents. For example, '그의 주장이 약화되었다' (His argument was weakened).
Generally, '약해지다' implies a change from a stronger state to a weaker one. If something is inherently weak and hasn't changed, you would use the adjective '약하다' (to be weak). However, if something that was once strong has become weak due to natural processes like aging or wear and tear, then '약해지다' is appropriate.
'힘이 빠지다' (him-i ppajida) specifically refers to losing physical energy or vigor, often due to tiredness or illness. It's like feeling drained. '약해지다' is broader; it can mean losing physical strength, but also becoming less effective, less powerful, or less convincing in abstract ways. So, while you might say '너무 피곤해서 힘이 빠졌어요' (I lost my energy because I was so tired), you might say '나이가 들면서 힘이 약해졌어요' (My strength became weak as I got older) to describe a more fundamental decrease in physical capacity.
You can use adverbs like '점점' (jeom-jeom) or '점차' (jeom-cha), which both mean 'gradually'. For example, '폭풍이 점점 약해지고 있어요' (The storm is gradually weakening) or '그의 건강이 점차 약해지고 있습니다' (His health is gradually becoming weaker).
Yes, it can be used metaphorically for relationships. If a friendship or connection becomes less strong over time due to lack of contact or unresolved issues, you might say '우리가 점점 약해지고 있는 것 같아' (It feels like our relationship is gradually becoming weaker).
When a storm '약해지다', it means it is losing its intensity, its wind speed is decreasing, and it is becoming less powerful and less dangerous. It's transitioning from a strong storm to a weaker one.
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Summary
약해지다 is a verb that signifies a process of becoming weak or less effective. It's crucial for describing changes over time, such as a storm weakening, a person losing strength, or an argument becoming less convincing. Remember to distinguish it from '약하다' which describes a static state of being weak.
- 약해지다 means to become weak or less effective.
- It describes a process of diminishing strength.
- Used for physical things, abstract ideas, and natural phenomena.
- Contrast with '약하다' (to be weak).
Process vs. State
Remember that '약해지다' describes a process of becoming weak, while '약하다' describes the state of being weak. Use '약해지다' when you want to emphasize the change or transition from strong to weak.
Conjugation
The verb stem is '약해지-'. Pay attention to the conjugation for different tenses and politeness levels: 약해져요 (present informal polite), 약해졌어요 (past informal polite), 약해질 거예요 (future informal polite).
Context is Key
The meaning of '약해지다' can vary slightly depending on the context. Whether it's physical strength, emotional resolve, or the power of a storm, understanding the surrounding words will help you grasp the precise nuance.
Visual Association
Imagine a strong, vibrant flower wilting. This visual of something losing its former vitality and firmness can help you remember the meaning of '약해지다' as a process of becoming weaker.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More health words
비정상적이다
B1Deviating from what is normal or usual; abnormal.
비정상이다
A2To be abnormal or irregular.
에 대해서
A2Indicating the topic or subject; about, concerning.
누적되다
B1To be accumulated or added up over a period of time. It is frequently used to describe the buildup of fatigue, debt, or environmental damage.
몸살
A2General body aches and fatigue, often accompanying a cold or flu.
몸살나다
A2To suffer from body aches and fatigue, often due to a cold.
쑤시다
B1To have a dull, throbbing pain; to ache.
에취
A2Achoo! (onomatopoeia for sneezing).
급성적이다
A2To be acute or sudden (e.g., an illness).
급성이다
A2Having a rapid onset and short course; to be acute (illness).
