Use '薄弱' to describe a lack of strength, solidity, or robustness in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts like willpower or foundations.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something as weak, fragile, or lacking strength.
- Applies to physical objects, foundations, willpower, and resistance.
- Indicates a deficiency or insufficiency in power or robustness.
Overview
“薄弱” (bóruò) 是一个形容词，意思是“不坚固，不结实；力量、意志等不强”。它常用来描述事物的物理强度不足，或者抽象概念（如基础、意志、抵抗力等）的缺乏力量。这个词带有一定的负面含义，表示一种不足或欠缺的状态。
“薄弱”通常用作定语或谓语。作为定语时，它修饰名词，如“薄弱的环节”、“薄弱的基础”。作为谓语时，它常与“是”、“显得”、“感到”等连词搭配，如“他的意志很薄弱”、“这个地方的防御很薄弱”。它也可以用于描述抽象概念，如“理论基础薄弱”、“经济基础薄弱”。
理论和知识：形容对某一领域缺乏深入的了解或扎实的理论基础。例如：他的专业知识比较薄弱，需要进一步学习。
“虚弱”主要指身体衰弱，缺乏体力，或者精神状态不佳。它通常指人或动物的身体状况。例如：“他病后身体很虚弱”。“薄弱”的适用范围更广，可以用于事物、基础、意志等，而不仅仅是身体状况。
“柔弱”通常用来形容人（尤其是女性）体态、性格或声音等温和、娇弱，缺乏力量感。它带有一定的褒义或中性色彩，表示一种温顺或娇美。例如：“她看起来柔弱无力”。“薄弱”则完全是负面的，强调的是力量或基础的欠缺。
“脆弱”更侧重于指容易受伤、损坏或破碎，强调的是一种易损性。它可以用于形容人、事物、关系等。例如：“玻璃制品很脆弱”，“她的内心很脆弱”。“薄弱”则更强调力量、基础或结构的不足，是一种“不够强”的状态。
Examples
他的意志力十分薄弱，一遇到挫折就想放弃。
everydayHis willpower is very weak; he wants to give up at the first sign of setbacks.
这个地区的防御工事比较薄弱，难以抵御大规模的攻击。
formalThe defenses in this region are relatively weak and cannot withstand a large-scale attack.
我感觉自己在这方面的知识比较薄弱，需要多学习。
informalI feel my knowledge in this area is rather weak and I need to study more.
公司的财务基础薄弱，导致其在市场竞争中处于不利地位。
academicThe company's financial foundation is weak, placing it at a disadvantage in market competition.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
防线薄弱
weak defense line
理论薄弱
weak theoretical foundation
基础薄弱
weak foundation
Often Confused With
'脆弱' emphasizes susceptibility to damage or breaking, like fragile glass. '薄弱' emphasizes a lack of inherent strength or robustness, like a weak argument or a weak foundation.
'虚弱' primarily describes physical weakness or debility, often due to illness or exhaustion. '薄弱' has a broader application, including abstract concepts like willpower, foundations, or defenses, not just physical health.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '薄弱' is generally used in contexts where a deficiency in strength, solidity, or robustness is being highlighted. It carries a negative connotation, pointing out a lack or inadequacy. It is versatile and can apply to both physical structures and abstract concepts like willpower, foundations, or knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '薄弱' for purely physical fragility where '脆弱' might be more appropriate, or they might use it to describe positive attributes like strength or abundance, which is incorrect. Ensure the context implies a lack of strength or a weak point.
Tips
Focus on Insufficiency
Remember '薄弱' highlights a deficiency or lack of necessary strength, solidity, or robustness.
Avoid Physical Fragility Only
While it can describe physical weakness, '薄弱' is more commonly used for abstract concepts like foundations, willpower, or resistance.
Importance of Strong Foundations
In Chinese culture, emphasizing strong foundations ('基础牢固') is crucial for success, making '薄弱' a significant indicator of potential problems.
Word Origin
The character '薄' (bó) originally depicted thin layers or something spread thinly. '弱' (ruò) means weak or feeble. Together, '薄弱' literally suggests being thin and weak, extending to a lack of substance, strength, or firmness.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, emphasis is often placed on building strong foundations ('打好基础') and possessing strong willpower ('意志坚定') for personal growth and success. Therefore, '薄弱' often signifies a critical area needing improvement or attention.
Memory Tip
Think of '薄' (thin) and '弱' (weak). Something thin is often not strong, hence '薄弱' describes a state of being not strong enough, like a thin defense or a weak argument.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“薄弱”强调的是力量、基础或结构的不足，是一种“不够强”的状态。而“脆弱”更侧重于指容易受伤、损坏或破碎，强调的是易损性。
“薄弱”可以用在很多方面，包括物理上的不坚固（如绳子薄弱）、基础不牢固（如基础薄弱）、意志不坚定（如意志薄弱）、抵抗力不强（如免疫力薄弱）以及理论知识不足（如知识面薄弱）等。
“薄弱”通常是贬义词，因为它指出了某事物存在的不足、欠缺或不牢固之处。
当然可以。例如，“他的逻辑思维能力比较薄弱”，意思是他的逻辑思维能力不够强，存在不足。
Test Yourself
这个地区的经济基础相对______，容易受到外部冲击。
句意是说经济基础不够强，容易受影响，所以用“薄弱”最恰当。“雄厚”、“坚固”、“强大”都与句意相反。
下列哪个句子中的“薄弱”使用不当？
“薄弱”通常不直接用来形容人的“心”的情感或精神状态，除非是指心脏功能不佳。选项a、b、d都是“薄弱”的常见且恰当的用法，分别形容意志、结构和基础。
请用“薄弱”和“环节”组成一个句子。
选项a最自然地表达了需要改进不足之处的含义。“这个环节很薄弱”也是正确的，但选项a更具指示性和行动性。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '薄弱' to describe a lack of strength, solidity, or robustness in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts like willpower or foundations.
- Describes something as weak, fragile, or lacking strength.
- Applies to physical objects, foundations, willpower, and resistance.
- Indicates a deficiency or insufficiency in power or robustness.
Focus on Insufficiency
Remember '薄弱' highlights a deficiency or lack of necessary strength, solidity, or robustness.
Avoid Physical Fragility Only
While it can describe physical weakness, '薄弱' is more commonly used for abstract concepts like foundations, willpower, or resistance.
Importance of Strong Foundations
In Chinese culture, emphasizing strong foundations ('基础牢固') is crucial for success, making '薄弱' a significant indicator of potential problems.
Examples
4 of 4他的意志力十分薄弱，一遇到挫折就想放弃。
His willpower is very weak; he wants to give up at the first sign of setbacks.
这个地区的防御工事比较薄弱，难以抵御大规模的攻击。
The defenses in this region are relatively weak and cannot withstand a large-scale attack.
我感觉自己在这方面的知识比较薄弱，需要多学习。
I feel my knowledge in this area is rather weak and I need to study more.
公司的财务基础薄弱，导致其在市场竞争中处于不利地位。
The company's financial foundation is weak, placing it at a disadvantage in market competition.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More business words
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
会计
A2accounting, accountant
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
