It describes a person who has a delicate or fragile physical condition.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe a weak physical constitution.
- Often implies susceptibility to illness.
- Commonly used to describe elderly or recovering individuals.
常见语境：该词常出现在健康建议、医疗报告、个人描述或文学描写中。例如，在描述老人的健康状况时，‘体弱’是一个非常中性且准确的词汇。在写给医生的描述中，它能清晰表达患者的体质状况。
- 1同义词辨析：‘体弱’与‘虚弱’意思相近，但‘虚弱’（weak/debilitated）范围更广，不仅指体质，还可以指精神或力量的虚弱。‘孱弱’（frail）则更书面化，常用于文学描写，强调外表的单薄和力量的匮乏。
Examples
她从小体弱，不适合参加剧烈运动。
everydayShe has had a weak constitution since childhood and is not suitable for strenuous exercise.
该患者因体弱，建议住院观察。
formalDue to the patient's frail condition, hospitalization is recommended.
别看他长得高，其实身体挺体弱的。
informalDon't let his height fool you; he's actually quite frail.
研究表明，营养不良会导致青少年体弱。
academicStudies show that malnutrition can lead to a weak constitution in adolescents.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
体弱多病
weak and sickly
体弱者
people with weak constitutions
天生体弱
congenitally weak
Often Confused With
‘虚弱’ can refer to temporary weakness due to illness or fatigue, whereas ‘体弱’ usually refers to a long-term constitution.
‘孱弱’ is more literary and often describes a person who looks very thin and fragile, emphasizing appearance more than ‘体弱’.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
‘体弱’ is a neutral term used to describe physical health status. It is frequently used in both spoken and written Chinese. When using it, it is often paired with '身体' (body) to clarify the aspect of weakness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use ‘体弱’ as a verb, but it is strictly an adjective. For example, do not say '他体弱了' (He became weak), instead use '他变虚弱了'. Also, avoid using it to describe inanimate objects; it is specifically for living beings.
Tips
Pair with '多病'
Combine '体弱' with '多病' to form the idiom '体弱多病'. This is a very natural way to describe someone who is chronically ill.
Avoid using as a direct insult
While not a curse word, calling someone '体弱' to their face might sound like you are judging their lack of exercise. Use it with empathy.
Focus on 'Constitution'
In Chinese culture, physical health is often linked to '体质' (constitution). '体弱' implies that the person's fundamental constitution needs strengthening through diet or TCM.
Word Origin
The word is derived from the combination of '体' (body) and '弱' (weak). It reflects the traditional Chinese emphasis on the quality of one's physical constitution.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, health is often discussed in terms of '体质'. People often care about whether someone is '体弱' and suggest '补身体' (nourishing the body) to improve it.
Memory Tip
Think of '体' (body) + '弱' (weak). Imagine a person who is 'weak' in their 'body' due to a lack of energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions‘体弱’侧重于先天或长期的体质差，多指‘体质弱’。‘虚弱’的范围更广，可以指生病后暂时的无力，也可以指精神上的虚弱。
可以。虽然常用于老人或小孩，但如果年轻人因病或缺乏锻炼导致身体很差，也可以用‘体弱’来描述。
不是，这是一个陈述事实的形容词。它通常带有同情或关切的语气，而非贬低。
可以使用‘身体比较弱’或者‘体质不太好’，比直接说‘体弱’听起来更柔和。
Test Yourself
他从小就___，经常感冒发烧。
根据上下文‘经常感冒发烧’，说明身体不好，故选体弱。
选出同义词。
虚弱表示身体力量不足，与体弱含义一致。
奶奶 / 体弱 / 身体 / 比较
主语+身体+副词+形容词的语序。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes a person who has a delicate or fragile physical condition.
- Used to describe a weak physical constitution.
- Often implies susceptibility to illness.
- Commonly used to describe elderly or recovering individuals.
Pair with '多病'
Combine '体弱' with '多病' to form the idiom '体弱多病'. This is a very natural way to describe someone who is chronically ill.
Avoid using as a direct insult
While not a curse word, calling someone '体弱' to their face might sound like you are judging their lack of exercise. Use it with empathy.
Focus on 'Constitution'
In Chinese culture, physical health is often linked to '体质' (constitution). '体弱' implies that the person's fundamental constitution needs strengthening through diet or TCM.
Examples
4 of 4她从小体弱，不适合参加剧烈运动。
She has had a weak constitution since childhood and is not suitable for strenuous exercise.
该患者因体弱，建议住院观察。
Due to the patient's frail condition, hospitalization is recommended.
别看他长得高，其实身体挺体弱的。
Don't let his height fool you; he's actually quite frail.
研究表明，营养不良会导致青少年体弱。
Studies show that malnutrition can lead to a weak constitution in adolescents.
