Thin and weak, describing someone who lacks physical strength or robust health.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes a person who is both thin and physically weak.
- Often used to express sympathy or concern for someone's health.
- Distinct from 'slim' as it implies a lack of vitality.
Overview
- 1概述：“瘦弱”是一个描述性形容词，由“瘦”（thin）和“弱”（weak）组成。它不仅仅指一个人身材苗条，更强调的是一种缺乏体力、耐力或健康状态不佳的表现。在中文语境中，它常带有同情或担心的情感色彩。
Examples
那个瘦弱的小男孩在寒风中发抖。
everydayThe thin and weak little boy was shivering in the cold wind.
尽管身体瘦弱，他依然坚持完成了工作。
formalDespite his frail body, he insisted on finishing the work.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
瘦弱不堪
extremely frail
Often Confused With
Refers to a slim and attractive figure, which is a positive attribute.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '瘦弱' in contexts where physical frailty is evident. It is suitable for both formal and informal descriptions. Avoid using it as a direct address to someone, as it may be perceived as insulting.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with '瘦' (thin). While '瘦' is neutral, '瘦弱' adds the element of weakness. Do not use it to describe an athlete or someone who is naturally thin but healthy.
Tips
Focus on the negative nuance
Remember that '瘦弱' is not a compliment. Only use it when describing someone who appears unhealthy or fragile.
Avoid using for healthy thin people
Do not call a fit, thin person '瘦弱'. Use '苗条' or '瘦' instead to avoid being rude.
Cultural sympathy
In Chinese culture, describing someone as '瘦弱' often invites a sense of care or a desire to provide nutritional support.
Word Origin
Derived from the characters '瘦' (to lose fat/weight) and '弱' (lacking strength). It evolved to denote the combined state of being thin and lacking physical capacity.
Cultural Context
In traditional Chinese society, being slightly heavier was often associated with wealth and health. Therefore, '瘦弱' was historically associated with poverty or lack of resources.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'thin' person who is so 'weak' they can't lift a bag. The combination '瘦弱' captures this exact image.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions苗条是褒义词，形容身材匀称、好看；而瘦弱是贬义或中性词，强调身体单薄且缺乏力量，通常暗示健康状况不佳。
可以，常用于形容生病或饥饿的流浪猫狗，强调它们看起来很可怜、没有力气。
反义词通常是“强壮”、“健壮”或“结实”，这些词都强调身体健康且充满力量。
当你看到某人因为生病、劳累或营养不足而显得身体单薄时，使用这个词最能准确传达你的观察。
Test Yourself
他生了一场大病，看起来非常___。
生病后身体变差，符合“瘦弱”的语境。
Score: /1
Summary
Thin and weak, describing someone who lacks physical strength or robust health.
- Describes a person who is both thin and physically weak.
- Often used to express sympathy or concern for someone's health.
- Distinct from 'slim' as it implies a lack of vitality.
Focus on the negative nuance
Remember that '瘦弱' is not a compliment. Only use it when describing someone who appears unhealthy or fragile.
Avoid using for healthy thin people
Do not call a fit, thin person '瘦弱'. Use '苗条' or '瘦' instead to avoid being rude.
Cultural sympathy
In Chinese culture, describing someone as '瘦弱' often invites a sense of care or a desire to provide nutritional support.
Examples
2 of 2那个瘦弱的小男孩在寒风中发抖。
The thin and weak little boy was shivering in the cold wind.
尽管身体瘦弱，他依然坚持完成了工作。
Despite his frail body, he insisted on finishing the work.
