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B1 adjective #4,500 most common 8 min read

脆弱

cuiruo Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 脆弱 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 脆弱 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '脆弱' (cuìruò) very often, but it's good to know it means 'weak' or 'fragile.' Think of it like a glass cup that can break easily. You might hear it in very simple stories or songs about feelings. A1 learners should focus on the basic idea: if something is 'cuìruò,' you must be careful with it. For example, 'This flower is cuìruò.' It's a bit like the English word 'fragile' on a shipping box. You won't use it to describe your complex feelings yet, but you might see it used for small animals or delicate toys. Remember the sound: 'tsway-ruo.' Just knowing that it's a 'bad' or 'risky' state for an object to be in is enough for now. Don't worry about the grammar; just think of it as a label for things that break easily.

At the A2 level, you can start using '脆弱' (cuìruò) to describe both physical things and very simple feelings. You might say 'The glass is very cuìruò' or 'The baby is very cuìruò.' You are starting to learn that in Chinese, we use degree words like '很' (hěn - very) or '非常' (fēicháng - extremely) before words like 脆弱. You might also encounter it in descriptions of nature, like 'The grass is cuìruò.' At this level, you should be able to recognize the word in a sentence and understand that it means something needs protection. You are beginning to see the difference between '弱' (weak) and '脆弱' (fragile). If you feel sad easily, you might say '我今天很脆弱' (I am very fragile today), though this is a bit advanced. Focus on the 'Handle with Care' meaning.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use '脆弱' (cuìruò) in several contexts. This is the level where the word becomes really useful. You can use it to talk about emotional states, like saying someone's heart is fragile (心很脆弱). You can also use it to describe systems, like a 'fragile economy' (脆弱的经济) or a 'fragile environment' (脆弱的环境). You should understand that 脆弱 implies a risk of breaking. You will start to see it in news articles or read it in novels. You should also be able to use it as an adjective before a noun using '的', like '脆弱的生命' (fragile life). At this stage, you are expected to know that 脆弱 is more than just 'weak'; it's about being easily damaged or hurt. You should practice using it to describe people's personalities or the state of a project.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of '脆弱' (cuìruò) and its nuances compared to synonyms like '软弱' (ruǎnruò - weak-willed) and '虚弱' (xūruò - physically weak). You can use it in formal discussions about social issues, such as 'vulnerable groups' (脆弱群体) or 'systemic vulnerability' (系统的脆弱性). You are comfortable using it in both literal and metaphorical ways. You might use it to analyze a character in a book, explaining how their outward strength hides an inner '脆弱.' You should also be able to use it in professional settings, such as identifying a '脆弱的环节' (a weak link) in a business plan. Your sentences should be more complex, perhaps using '虽然...但是...' (Although... but...) to contrast strength and fragility. You understand that 脆弱 can be a neutral, descriptive term in science or a sensitive, emotional term in psychology.

By C1, you use '脆弱' (cuìruò) with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its literary weight and can use it to discuss abstract philosophical concepts, such as the fragility of human existence or the precarious nature of international relations. You can use it in academic writing, perhaps discussing the '脆弱性' (vulnerability) of coastal cities to climate change. You are aware of the word's etymology—how '脆' (brittle) and '弱' (weak) combine to create a specific image of something that snaps under pressure. You can use the word to create poetic imagery or to deliver a sharp, critical analysis. You also know how to modify it with advanced adverbs like '极度' (jídù - extremely) or '不经意间的' (bùjīngyìjiān de - unintentional). You can distinguish the subtle difference between '脆弱' and '单薄' in literary descriptions of people.

At the C2 level, '脆弱' (cuìruò) is a tool for sophisticated expression. You can engage in deep debates about the 'power of vulnerability' in modern society, using the word to explore complex psychological landscapes. You might use it in a speech to describe the delicate balance of a global ecosystem or the fragile beauty of a disappearing culture. You are familiar with idioms or classical allusions that might use similar concepts. You can use the word ironically or with deep empathy, depending on the context. Your mastery allows you to use 脆弱 in creative writing to evoke a specific mood or to highlight the contrast between a rigid structure and its inherent fragility. You understand the socio-political implications of labeling certain populations as '脆弱' and can discuss these nuances in a high-level academic or professional forum.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

脆弱 in 30 Seconds

脆弱 (cuìruò) means fragile or vulnerable, combining 'brittle' and 'weak' to describe things easily damaged by external pressure or emotional stress.
It is commonly used for physical objects (though 'yìsuì' is more common for glass), emotional sensitivity, and abstract systems like economies or environments.
Grammatically, it functions as an adjective, often requiring a degree adverb like '很' (hěn) or '非常' (fēicháng) when acting as a predicate.
Key collocations include '脆弱的心' (fragile heart), '脆弱的生态系统' (fragile ecosystem), and '脆弱群体' (vulnerable groups) in social contexts.

The term 脆弱 (cuìruò) is a fascinating compound adjective in Chinese that translates most directly to 'fragile,' 'vulnerable,' or 'brittle.' To truly understand its depth, we must look at its component characters. The first character, 脆 (cuì), originally referred to something crisp or crunchy, like well-cooked food or thin ice that snaps easily. The second character, 弱 (ruò), means weak or feeble. When combined, they describe a state where something lacks the internal strength to withstand external pressure, leading to a high likelihood of breaking, failing, or suffering damage. This word is incredibly versatile in modern Mandarin, moving fluidly between physical descriptions and profound emotional or abstract states.

Physical Fragility: Used to describe objects that are easily shattered. For example, a glass ornament or an ancient parchment can be described as 脆弱. However, in modern daily Chinese, people often use '易碎' (yìsuì) for physical objects, while 脆弱 is reserved for more complex systems like a 'fragile ecosystem' (脆弱的生态系统).

这种玻璃非常脆弱，搬运时要小心。 (This kind of glass is very fragile; be careful when carrying it.)

Emotional Vulnerability: This is perhaps the most common usage. It describes a person's psychological state when they are easily hurt by criticism, failure, or loss. A 'fragile heart' (脆弱的心) is a common poetic and conversational trope. It implies a lack of resilience or 'thick skin.'

经历了这么多失败，他的心理变得很脆弱。 (After going through so many failures, his psychological state has become very vulnerable.)

In a broader sense, 脆弱 is applied to abstract concepts like peace, economies, or relationships. A 'fragile peace' (脆弱的和平) suggests that even a small provocation could reignite conflict. This nuance of 'imminent breaking' is what separates 脆弱 from simply being 'weak.' It carries an inherent tension—the thing exists, but its existence is precarious. For learners, mastering this word allows you to discuss complex human emotions and systemic issues with the precision of a native speaker. It is a B1 level word because it requires moving beyond concrete nouns into the realm of descriptive nuance and metaphorical application.

Using 脆弱 (cuìruò) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an adjective and its common collocations. In Chinese, adjectives can function as predicates without the need for the verb 'to be' (是), provided they are preceded by a degree adverb like 很 (hěn - very), 非常 (fēicháng - extremely), or 极其 (jíqí - exceptionally).

As a Predicate: When you want to say 'Something is fragile,' you typically use the structure: [Subject] + [Degree Adverb] + 脆弱. For example, '他的感情很脆弱' (His feelings are very fragile).

由于长期的干旱，这里的生态系统变得非常脆弱。 (Due to long-term drought, the ecosystem here has become very fragile.)

As an Attributive (Modifying a Noun): To describe a 'fragile [noun],' use the structure: 脆弱 + 的 + [Noun]. Common pairings include 脆弱的生命 (fragile life), 脆弱的环节 (fragile link/weak link), and 脆弱的关系 (fragile relationship).

我们必须保护这些脆弱的历史遗迹。 (We must protect these fragile historical relics.)

When using 脆弱 to describe people, be mindful of the tone. Calling someone '脆弱' can sometimes be perceived as a criticism of their mental strength or resilience. However, in modern psychological discourse in China, it is increasingly used to express empathy for the human condition. For instance, '每个人都有脆弱的一面' (Everyone has a vulnerable side) is a common phrase used to encourage openness and emotional support. In business or technical contexts, 脆弱 is often used to identify risks. A '脆弱的供应链' (fragile supply chain) is one that is easily disrupted by external shocks. By varying the degree adverbs and the nouns it modifies, you can transition from simple descriptions to complex analytical observations.

You will encounter 脆弱 (cuìruò) in a wide variety of settings, from emotional dramas on TV to serious news reports about the global economy. Its versatility makes it a staple of both literary and professional Chinese.

In News and Media: Journalists frequently use 脆弱 to describe unstable political situations or economic markets. You might hear: '股市的复苏仍然非常脆弱' (The recovery of the stock market is still very fragile). It conveys a sense of uncertainty and risk.

新闻报道称，该地区的和平协议十分脆弱。 (News reports state that the peace agreement in the region is extremely fragile.)

In Psychology and Self-Help: In podcasts or books about mental health, 脆弱 is a key term. It is used to discuss the 'power of vulnerability' (similar to Brené Brown's concepts). Professionals talk about '心理脆弱' (psychological fragility) and how to build resilience.

接纳自己的脆弱是成长的第一步。 (Accepting your own vulnerability is the first step of growth.)

In daily life, you might hear a friend say, '我最近心情比较脆弱' (My mood has been quite fragile lately), perhaps after a breakup or a stressful period at work. In films and literature, it's often used to describe a character's tragic flaw or a hidden sensitivity behind a tough exterior. For example, a character might be '外强中干，内心脆弱' (strong on the outside but weak/fragile on the inside). Understanding these contexts helps you recognize that 脆弱 is not just about being 'weak'—it's about the delicate balance between standing firm and falling apart. Whether it's a piece of ancient porcelain or the human ego, 脆弱 captures that state of being 'one step away from breaking.'

For English speakers, the primary challenge with 脆弱 (cuìruò) lies in distinguishing it from other words that translate to 'weak.' Chinese has several specific terms for different types of weakness, and using the wrong one can sound unnatural or even insulting.

脆弱 vs. 软弱 (ruǎnruò): This is the most common confusion. 软弱 usually refers to a weakness of character or a lack of resolve. If someone is easily bullied or cannot make a decision, they are 软弱. 脆弱, on the other hand, implies a lack of emotional or physical durability. A person can be strong-willed (not 软弱) but still emotionally 脆弱 (easily hurt).

错误：他在困难面前很脆弱。(Incorrect if you mean he lacks resolve/willpower; should be 软弱.)

脆弱 vs. 虚弱 (xūruò): 虚弱 specifically refers to physical weakness, especially due to illness, old age, or lack of nutrition. If you are recovering from the flu and feel faint, you are 虚弱. You wouldn't typically use 脆弱 here unless you are describing your overall life force or health system as precarious.

错误：生病后，他的身体很脆弱。(Incorrect; should be 虚弱 for physical recovery.)

Another mistake is overusing the word. While 'vulnerable' is a buzzword in modern English, 脆弱 in Chinese still carries a slightly heavier weight. It often implies a critical state. If you just mean something isn't strong, '不强' (bù qiáng) or '弱' (ruò) might suffice. Remember that 脆弱 contains the character '脆' (brittle), so it always carries that imagery of something that could 'snap' at any moment. When in doubt, ask yourself: 'Is this thing in danger of breaking or failing completely?' If yes, 脆弱 is likely the right choice. Finally, be careful with the word order in complex sentences; ensure the degree adverb is appropriately placed to modify the adjective correctly.

To expand your vocabulary beyond 脆弱 (cuìruò), it's helpful to look at words that share its semantic space but offer different nuances. Depending on whether you are talking about physical properties, character traits, or abstract systems, you might choose one of these alternatives.

薄弱 (bóruò) - Weak / Flimsy: 薄弱 is often used for abstract things that lack a solid foundation. You might have a '薄弱的基础' (weak foundation) in a subject like math, or '意志薄弱' (weak will). It implies thinness or inadequacy rather than brittleness.
纤弱 (xiānruò) - Delicate / Frail: This word has a more aesthetic or physical connotation. It's often used to describe a person's slender or delicate physique, like a '纤弱的少女' (a delicate young girl). It lacks the negative 'breaking' connotation of 脆弱.
娇弱 (jiāoruò) - Fragile and Pampered: 娇弱 implies that someone or something is weak because it has been protected too much. It is often used for flowers (娇弱的花朵) or people who cannot handle any hardship because they are used to comfort.

对比：
1. 意志薄弱 (Weak will - lacks strength)
2. 感情脆弱 (Fragile emotions - easily hurt)

In literary contexts, you might see 单薄 (dānbó), which literally means 'single layer' and 'thin,' often used to describe someone who is poorly dressed for the cold or someone with a very thin, frail body. Choosing between these words depends on the 'flavor' of weakness you want to convey. If the focus is on the danger of collapse or the ease of being wounded, stick with 脆弱. If the focus is on a lack of substance or foundation, move toward 薄弱. If the focus is on physical daintiness or elegance, 纤弱 is your best bet. By mastering these distinctions, you move from basic communication to nuanced expression, which is the hallmark of advanced Chinese proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '脆' is also the word for 'crispy' in food. So, the same character used for delicious fried chicken is used to describe a fragile heart!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tsʰweɪ̯⁵¹ ʐwɔ⁴¹/

US /tsʰweɪ̯⁵¹ ʐwɔ⁴¹/

Both syllables carry the fourth tone, meaning they are both stressed with a falling pitch.

Rhymes With

对 (duì) 贵 (guì) 退 (tuì) 味 (wèi) 落 (luò) 错 (cuò) 过 (guò) 破 (pò)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'c' as a hard 'k' sound.
Merging 'ui' into a single 'u' sound instead of 'way'.
Mispronouncing the 'r' as a 'w' or 'l' sound.
Failing to use the falling fourth tone on both syllables.
Confusing 'cui' with 'chui' (which has a 'sh' sound component).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are moderately complex but common in news and literature.

Writing 4/5

The character '脆' has many strokes and requires practice to write neatly.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'c' and 'r' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable once the 'cui-ruo' sound is mastered.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

弱简单保护容易坏

Learn Next

崩溃韧性敏感坚强保护区

Advanced

脆弱性分析生态退化心理韧性社会保障风险评估

Grammar to Know

Degree Adverbs with Adjectives

很脆弱，非常脆弱，极其脆弱。

Attributive 'de'

脆弱的生命，脆弱的结构。

Resultative Complements

变得脆弱 (Become fragile).

Comparison with '比'

他比我想象中要脆弱。

Existential Sentences

这里有一个脆弱的环节。

Examples by Level

这个杯子很脆弱。

This cup is very fragile.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

小花很脆弱。

The small flower is very fragile.

Simple adjective usage.

它是脆弱的吗？

Is it fragile?

Question form with '吗'.

不要碰，它很脆弱。

Don't touch, it's very fragile.

Imperative sentence.

这里很脆弱。

This place is very fragile.

Locative subject.

纸很脆弱。

Paper is very fragile.

Basic noun + adjective.

小猫很脆弱。

The kitten is very fragile.

Describing a living thing.

蛋壳很脆弱。

Eggshells are very fragile.

Describing a physical property.

这种玻璃非常脆弱。

This kind of glass is extremely fragile.

Using '非常' for emphasis.

他的心很脆弱。

His heart is very fragile.

Metaphorical use for emotions.

脆弱的东西容易坏。

Fragile things break easily.

Using '脆弱的' as a modifier.

我们要保护脆弱的小鸟。

We need to protect fragile little birds.

Verb + Object with modifier.

这个玩具很脆弱，别摔了。

This toy is very fragile, don't drop it.

Compound sentence with advice.

雨后的翅膀很脆弱。

Wings after rain are very fragile.

Describing a state after an event.

这里的草地很脆弱。

The grass here is very fragile.

Describing environment.

他看上去很脆弱。

He looks very fragile.

Using '看上去' (looks like).

生态系统往往非常脆弱。

Ecosystems are often very fragile.

Subject is an abstract system.

他在感情上很脆弱。

He is emotionally very vulnerable.

Specifying the aspect using '在...上'.

这是一个脆弱的和平协议。

This is a fragile peace agreement.

Attributive use for abstract concepts.

不要在孩子面前表现得太脆弱。

Don't act too vulnerable in front of children.

Using '表现得' (to act/behave).

这种材料在高温下会变得脆弱。

This material becomes brittle under high temperatures.

Describing a change of state.

我们必须关注脆弱群体。

We must pay attention to vulnerable groups.

Formal term: 脆弱群体.

他的成功其实很脆弱。

His success is actually very fragile.

Describing the stability of a situation.

这层冰太脆弱了，不能走。

This layer of ice is too fragile to walk on.

Structure: 太...了 (too...).

由于缺乏投资，经济复苏非常脆弱。

Due to a lack of investment, the economic recovery is very fragile.

Using '由于' (due to) to explain cause.

她那脆弱的自尊心受到了伤害。

Her fragile self-esteem was hurt.

Complex noun phrase: 脆弱的自尊心.

这个系统的脆弱性在攻击中暴露无遗。

The vulnerability of this system was fully exposed during the attack.

Using the noun form 脆弱性.

在灾难面前，人类是脆弱的。

In the face of disaster, humans are vulnerable.

Philosophical observation.

这种鸟类的生存环境极其脆弱。

The living environment of this bird species is extremely fragile.

Using '极其' (extremely) for formal emphasis.

他试图掩饰内心的脆弱。

He tried to hide his inner vulnerability.

Verb + Object (abstract noun).

两国的关系正处于脆弱的平衡中。

The relationship between the two countries is in a fragile balance.

Prepositional phrase: 处于...中.

脆弱的环节往往决定了整个项目的成败。

The weak link often determines the success or failure of the entire project.

Subject is a specific part of a whole.

这种全球化的供应链在危机时刻显得尤为脆弱。

This globalized supply chain appears particularly fragile in times of crisis.

Using '尤为' (especially) for formal tone.

文学作品常探讨人性中脆弱而又美好的一面。

Literary works often explore the fragile yet beautiful side of human nature.

Adjective phrase: 脆弱而又美好.

政府需要制定政策来保护那些经济脆弱的地区。

The government needs to formulate policies to protect economically vulnerable regions.

Compound adjective: 经济脆弱的.

在浩瀚的宇宙中，地球是一个脆弱的蓝色小点。

In the vast universe, Earth is a fragile blue dot.

Descriptive imagery in a complex sentence.

他那脆弱的神经再也经不起任何打击了。

His fragile nerves could no longer withstand any more blows.

Idiomatic use of '脆弱的神经'.

这种艺术形式非常脆弱，正面临消失的危险。

This art form is very fragile and is facing the danger of disappearance.

Describing cultural heritage.

脆弱并不等同于软弱，它是一种真实的力量。

Vulnerability is not the same as weakness; it is a kind of authentic strength.

Philosophical argument using '不等同于'.

由于地质构造复杂，该地区的山体十分脆弱。

Due to the complex geological structure, the mountains in this area are very fragile.

Technical/Scientific context.

在全球气候变化的背景下，极地生态系统的脆弱性日益凸显。

In the context of global climate change, the vulnerability of polar ecosystems is becoming increasingly prominent.

Sophisticated academic structure.

这种看似坚固的政治架构，实则内部极其脆弱。

This seemingly solid political structure is, in fact, extremely fragile internally.

Using '看似...实则...' (Seemingly... but actually...).

他笔下的角色往往带有一种令人心碎的脆弱感。

The characters under his pen often carry a heartbreaking sense of vulnerability.

Literary critique phrase: 脆弱感.

我们要反思现代文明在面对未知病毒时的脆弱。

We must reflect on the vulnerability of modern civilization when facing unknown viruses.

Abstract noun usage in a reflective context.

这种脆弱的共识随时可能因为利益冲突而瓦解。

This fragile consensus could collapse at any time due to conflicts of interest.

Political/Strategic vocabulary.

在那个动荡的年代，个人的命运显得如此脆弱和渺小。

In those turbulent times, an individual's fate appeared so fragile and insignificant.

Evocative literary description.

该项研究深入剖析了金融市场的脆弱性根源。

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the root causes of financial market vulnerability.

Formal verb '剖析' (analyze) + '脆弱性'.

脆弱性不仅是人类的局限，也是我们相互连接的纽带。

Vulnerability is not only a human limitation but also the bond that connects us.

Complex philosophical sentence structure.

Synonyms

单薄虚弱柔弱易碎

Antonyms

坚强稳固强韧

Common Collocations

脆弱的心

生态系统脆弱

脆弱群体

脆弱的环节

情感脆弱

脆弱的平衡

经济脆弱

神经脆弱

脆弱的生命

表现脆弱

Common Phrases

脆弱性

— The noun form: vulnerability or fragility. Used in academic or technical reports.

我们需要评估该建筑的脆弱性。

内心脆弱

— Inner vulnerability. Describes someone who looks tough but is easily hurt.

他表面坚强，其实内心脆弱。

环境脆弱

— Environmental fragility. Refers to ecosystems easily damaged by human activity.

环境脆弱地区不宜开发。

脆弱的复苏

— Fragile recovery. Used for economies or health that are just beginning to improve.

市场正在经历脆弱的复苏。

脆弱的自尊

— Fragile self-esteem. Someone who is easily offended or hurt by criticism.

不要伤害他那脆弱的自尊。

脆弱的友谊

— Fragile friendship. A relationship that can be broken by a small disagreement.

他们之间只有脆弱的友谊。

脆弱的联系

— Fragile connection. A weak link or bond between things.

这两件事之间只有脆弱的联系。

脆弱的和平

— Fragile peace. A peace that is likely to be broken by renewed conflict.

中东地区维持着脆弱的和平。

脆弱的结构

— Fragile structure. A building or system that is not stable.

这种脆弱的结构无法承受重压。

脆弱的防御

— Fragile defense. A defense system that is easily breached.

由于缺乏资金，城市的防御变得很脆弱。

Often Confused With

脆弱 vs 软弱

Focuses on lack of willpower or courage.

脆弱 vs 虚弱

Focuses on physical illness or lack of energy.

脆弱 vs 薄弱

Focuses on thinness or lack of foundation/substance.

Idioms & Expressions

"弱不禁风"

— So weak that one cannot even stand a gust of wind. Describes physical frailty.

她身体不好，看起来弱不禁风。

Literary

"外强中干"

— Strong on the outside but dry/weak on the inside. Related to hidden fragility.

那个公司看似庞大，其实外强中干。

Common

"吹弹得破"

— So delicate (like skin) that it could break with a puff of air or a touch.

她的皮肤娇嫩，吹弹得破。

Descriptive

"不堪一击"

— Cannot withstand a single blow. Describes extreme vulnerability.

敌人的防线不堪一击。

Common

"摇摇欲坠"

— Shaking and about to fall. Describes a fragile structure or situation.

那座古老的桥在风中摇摇欲坠。

Common

"如履薄冰"

— Like walking on thin ice. Describes the feeling of being in a fragile situation.

在处理这个敏感问题时，他如履薄冰。

Formal

"危如累卵"

— As dangerous as a pile of eggs. Describes a very fragile and precarious situation.

局势已经到了危如累卵的地步。

Literary

"命若悬丝"

— Life hanging by a thread. Describes extreme physical fragility or danger.

手术后，他的命若悬丝。

Literary

"弱肉强食"

— The weak are meat for the strong. Contextualizes vulnerability in nature.

自然界遵循弱肉强食的规律。

Common

"一触即溃"

— Collapsing at the first touch. Describes a fragile group or army.

这支临时拼凑的队伍一触即溃。

Formal

Easily Confused

脆弱 vs 软弱

Both translate to 'weak' in English.

软弱 is about character (e.g., can't say no). 脆弱 is about being easily damaged (e.g., easily hurt).

他性格软弱，不敢反抗。/ 他心肠脆弱，听不得悲剧。

脆弱 vs 虚弱

Both describe a state of not being strong.

虚弱 is for health/body. 脆弱 is for structure/emotions.

大病初愈，他身体虚弱。/ 这种纸很脆弱，一撕就破。

脆弱 vs 薄弱

Both describe a lack of strength.

薄弱 is for foundations or links in a chain. 脆弱 is for things that might snap.

他的数学基础薄弱。/ 这里的防御很脆弱。

脆弱 vs 娇弱

Both describe a delicate state.

娇弱 implies being delicate and pampered. 脆弱 implies being easily broken.

娇弱的小花。/ 脆弱的瓷器。

脆弱 vs 单薄

Both suggest a lack of substance.

单薄 is usually physical thinness (body or clothes). 脆弱 is susceptibility to harm.

他穿得很单薄。/ 他的心理防线很脆弱。

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 很 + 脆弱

它很脆弱。

脆弱的 + Noun

脆弱的杯子。

在...上很脆弱

他在感情上很脆弱。

变得 + 脆弱

局势变得脆弱。

看似...其实脆弱

看似强大，其实脆弱。

脆弱性 + 显现

系统的脆弱性显现出来。

极其 + 脆弱

极其脆弱的生态。

脆弱而又...

脆弱而又珍贵的记忆。

Word Family

Nouns

脆弱性 (cuìruòxìng - vulnerability)

脆弱感 (cuìruògǎn - sense of vulnerability)

Adjectives

脆 (cuì - brittle/crisp)

弱 (ruò - weak)

虚弱 (xūruò)

软弱 (ruǎnruò)

薄弱 (bóruò)

脆弱群体 (cuìruò qúntǐ)

脆弱环节 (cuìruò huánjié)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using 脆弱 for physical weakness after illness. → 虚弱
虚弱 (xūruò) is for physical health; 脆弱 is for fragility or emotional vulnerability.
Using 脆弱 for a person who has no courage. → 软弱
软弱 (ruǎnruò) describes a weak character; 脆弱 describes someone easily hurt emotionally.
Saying '声音很脆弱'. → 声音很微弱
微弱 (wēiruò) is used for faint sounds or lights; 脆弱 is for things that can break.
Forgetting the '的' when modifying a noun. → 脆弱的生命
In Chinese, multi-syllable adjectives usually need '的' before the noun.
Pronouncing 'cui' like 'chui'. → cuì
The 'c' in Pinyin is a 'ts' sound, not a 'ch' sound.

Tips

Context Matters

Always consider if you are talking about character (软弱) or susceptibility to damage (脆弱).

Tone Accuracy

Both syllables are 4th tone. Make them sound sharp and decisive to be understood clearly.

Character Breakdown

Remember '脆' has the 'flesh' radical (月) and '弱' has the 'bow' radical (弓). This helps you remember they relate to bodies and strength.

Pairing

Learn 脆弱 with its common partners like '心' (heart) and '生态' (ecology).

Adverb Use

Don't just say '他是脆弱'. Say '他很脆弱' or '他是一个脆弱的人'.

Sensitivity

Be careful using this to describe someone's child or work unless you are being supportive.

News Keywords

When you hear '经济' (economy), listen for '脆弱' to understand if the reporter is worried.

Literary Nuance

In books, 脆弱 often signals that a character is about to undergo a significant change or crisis.

Self-Expression

Use '我觉得有点脆弱' to express that you are feeling emotionally sensitive in a soft way.

Visual Aid

Imagine a 'Crispy' (Cui) 'Reed' (Ruo) snapping in the wind.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CRISP' (cui) 'REED' (ruo). A crisp reed is brittle and weak; it snaps the moment you step on it.

Visual Association

Imagine a glass heart with a small crack in it. It is still beautiful, but it is 脆弱 (cuìruò).

Word Web

Glass Heart Ecosystem Economy Vulnerable Brittle Weak Careful

Challenge

Try to use '脆弱' to describe one physical object and one emotion in the same paragraph.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters. '脆' (cuì) originally referred to meat that was easy to chew or things that snap easily. '弱' (ruò) depicted two bending feathers or bows, symbolizing lack of strength.

Original meaning: Brittle and weak; lacking structural or physical toughness.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling an individual '脆弱' directly, as it can sound like you are calling them 'weak' or 'pathetic' depending on the relationship.

In English, 'vulnerability' has become a positive buzzword for authenticity. In Chinese, 脆弱 still leans slightly more towards a negative or risky state, though this is changing.

The song '脆弱' (Fragile) by various Mandopop artists exploring emotional pain. Academic papers on the 'Vulnerability of the Yellow River Ecosystem'. Psychology books translating Brené Brown's work use 脆弱 extensively.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Psychology

内心脆弱
情感需求
心理承受力
接纳自我

Environmental Science

生态平衡
物种灭绝
脆弱地带
可持续发展

Economics

市场波动
脆弱的复苏
金融风险
供应链中断

Daily Life

小心轻放
心情不好
容易碎
照顾他人

Politics

脆弱的和平
外交关系
权力平衡
国际局势

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在别人面前表现出脆弱是一件好事吗？"

"什么样的生态系统最脆弱？"

"你认为现代人的心理是不是变得更脆弱了？"

"在你的生活中，有什么东西是你觉得非常脆弱、需要小心保护的？"

"为什么有些看似强大的东西其实很脆弱？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你感到最脆弱的一个时刻，你是如何度过的？

描述一个脆弱的自然景观，并讨论我们应该如何保护它。

你认为‘脆弱’和‘坚强’之间是什么关系？它们是对立的吗？

讨论一个脆弱的社会系统（如医疗或教育）在危机中可能面临的挑战。

反思一下你自己的‘脆弱点’，以及你如何通过这些脆弱点变得更好。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it usually refers to their emotional state or their health in a critical way. Calling someone '脆弱' implies they are easily hurt or overwhelmed.

Not necessarily. In some contexts, like psychology, acknowledging one's 脆弱 is considered a step toward strength and authenticity.

易碎 (yìsuì) is literal and used for physical objects like glass. 脆弱 (cuìruò) is more versatile and used for emotions, systems, and environments.

Yes, but it sounds more poetic or describes a body that is very easily injured. If someone is just weak from a cold, use '虚弱'.

You use '脆弱性' (cuìruòxìng). For example, 'the vulnerability of the city' is '城市的脆弱性'.

Yes, to describe a '脆弱的环节' (weak link) or a '脆弱的供应链' (fragile supply chain).

It refers to 'vulnerable groups' in society, such as children, the elderly, or the poor who need extra protection.

No, for light or sound, use '微弱' (wēiruò).

Yes, it is a HSK 4/5 (B1/B2) level word that appears frequently in media and daily life.

The most common opposites are 坚强 (for people/emotions) and 坚固 (for objects/structures).