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B2 noun 11 min de leitura

短所

tansho

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 短所 em 30 segundos

Explicação 短所 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to describe people and things. While 'tansho' might be a bit advanced, you can think of it as the opposite of 'good points.' It is used to talk about things that are 'not so good' about a person or an object. For example, if a camera is heavy, that is a 'tansho.' If you are shy, that is a 'tansho.' At this level, you mostly see it in very simple lists. You might say 'My tansho is...' followed by a simple adjective. It is important to know that this word helps you talk about more than just 'bad'—it helps you talk about specific points that could be better. You will often see it written with the kanji 短 (short) and 所 (place). Remember: Short + Place = Shortcoming.

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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'tansho' in simple sentences to describe your personality or the features of a product. You will often see it paired with 'chosho' (strong points). In basic Japanese tests or simple self-introductions, you might be asked: 'What are your strong points and weak points?' (Chosho to tansho wa nani desu ka?). This is a very common question. You can answer using the pattern '[Noun] no tansho wa [Adjective] tokoro desu.' For example, 'Kono kuruma no tansho wa takai tokoro desu' (The weak point of this car is that it is expensive). It is a useful word for giving a balanced opinion, showing that you can see both the good and the bad in something.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'tansho' in more complex social and work-related contexts. This is the level where you start preparing for job interviews or writing more detailed essays. You should understand that 'tansho' is more formal than 'warui tokoro.' You will use it when analyzing a situation or yourself. You might use verbs like 'oginau' (to compensate) or 'naosu' (to fix). For example, 'I am trying to fix my shortcomings' (Tansho wo naosou to shite imasu). You will also hear this word in reviews of movies or books, where the critic discusses the 'shortcomings' of the plot or the characters. It is a key word for expressing critical thinking in Japanese.

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At the B2 level, 'tansho' is a standard part of your professional and academic vocabulary. You should understand the subtle differences between 'tansho,' 'ketten' (defect), and 'jyakuten' (weak point). You are expected to use 'tansho' in SWOT analyses, business proposals, and psychological discussions. You should also be familiar with common phrases like 'Tansho wa chosho no uragaeshi' (Weaknesses are just the other side of strengths). This shows a deeper cultural understanding of how Japanese people view personality. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts, like the 'shortcomings of a legal system' or 'shortcomings of a scientific theory.' At this level, your usage should be precise and context-appropriate.

At the C1 level, you use 'tansho' with a high degree of nuance. You understand that in high-level literature or formal debates, 'tansho' can be used to describe inherent limitations that are not necessarily 'errors' but are simply part of the nature of a thing. You can use it to critique complex systems, philosophical arguments, or intricate character developments in classic literature. You are also aware of how to use the word to maintain 'wa' (harmony)—by acknowledging your own 'tansho' first before critiquing others. You can use advanced collocations like 'tansho wo rotei suru' (to reveal one's shortcomings) or 'tansho wo jikaku suru' (to be self-aware of one's flaws). Your ability to flip a 'tansho' into a 'chosho' during a high-pressure negotiation or interview is a hallmark of this level.

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At the C2 level, 'tansho' is a tool for masterful communication. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of human flaws, using 'tansho' alongside archaic or highly specialized synonyms. You understand the etymological roots and how the concept of 'shortness' (短) has evolved in Japanese thought to represent moral or functional lack. You can interpret the use of 'tansho' in Edo-period texts or modern legal codes with ease. You use the word not just to describe, but to persuade, to empathize, and to deconstruct. Whether writing a doctoral thesis or delivering a keynote speech, you use 'tansho' as part of a sophisticated rhetorical strategy that acknowledges the inherent imperfections in all human endeavors.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

短所 em 30 segundos

短所 (Tansho) means 'weak point' or 'shortcoming.' It is the direct antonym of 長所 (Chosho), which means 'strong point.'
It is commonly used in job interviews, product reviews, and personal self-reflection to identify areas needing improvement or inherent disadvantages.
The word is composed of the kanji for 'short' and 'place,' implying a point where one falls short of a standard.
Unlike 'ketten' (defect), 'tansho' is often used for character traits and relative functional weaknesses rather than physical breakage.

The word 短所 (たんしょ - tansho) is a foundational noun in the Japanese language, particularly relevant when discussing character traits, product evaluations, or analytical comparisons. At its core, it refers to a weak point, a shortcoming, or a disadvantage. The kanji composition is highly logical: 短 (tan) means 'short' or 'brief,' and 所 (sho) means 'place' or 'point.' Together, they literally describe a 'short point'—an area where someone or something falls short of an ideal or expected standard.

Core Meaning: A specific attribute of a person or object that is considered a disadvantage or a negative trait compared to others or a standard.

In a social and professional context, this word is most famously paired with its antonym, 長所 (ちょうしょ - chōsho), which means 'strong point' or 'merit.' In Japan, the 'Self-PR' (self-promotion) culture in job hunting almost always requires candidates to analyze their own tansho. However, the cultural nuance is not just about identifying a failure; it is about self-awareness and the capacity for self-improvement. When a Japanese person speaks of their tansho, they are often expected to provide a 'recovery' or a way they are working to mitigate that weakness.

自分の短所を理解することは、成長への第一歩です。(Understanding one's own weak points is the first step toward growth.)

Beyond personality traits, tansho is used in technical and objective reviews. For instance, when reviewing a new smartphone, a tech critic might list the high price or short battery life as significant tansho. Unlike the word ketten (defect), which implies something is broken or fundamentally wrong, tansho is more about a relative lack of strength. It is a more 'evaluative' term rather than a 'diagnostic' one.

Grammar Usage: It is a noun and can be used as the subject (短所がある) or object (短所を見つける) of a sentence. It can also be modified by adjectives (致命的な短所 - a fatal flaw).

この計画にはいくつかの短所がありますが、全体的には優れています。(There are several shortcomings in this plan, but overall it is excellent.)

Finally, it is worth noting that in Japanese psychology and self-help, there is a concept called 'Tansho-wo-Chosho-ni-Kaeru' (turning weaknesses into strengths). This reflects the belief that every trait has two sides. For example, being 'stubborn' (a tansho) can be reinterpreted as being 'persistent' (a chosho). This linguistic flexibility makes tansho a key word in interpersonal communication and self-reflection.

Common Collocations: 短所を補う (To compensate for a weakness), 短所を克服する (To overcome a shortcoming), 短所が目立つ (Weaknesses stand out).

彼は自分の短所を補うために、人一倍努力した。(He worked twice as hard as others to compensate for his weaknesses.)

誰にでも短所はあるものだ。(Everyone has shortcomings.)

この製品の最大の短所は、バッテリーの持ちが悪いことだ。(The biggest drawback of this product is its poor battery life.)

Using 短所 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that can describe people, objects, or abstract ideas. It is most frequently used in comparisons or analytical contexts. Whether you are in a boardroom, a classroom, or a casual conversation, knowing how to frame a 'weakness' is a vital skill. In Japanese, the way you describe a tansho often dictates the tone of the conversation—making it sound like a constructive critique or a harsh judgment.

The 'A is B' Structure: The simplest way to use the word is to identify a specific trait: [Person/Thing]の短所は[Trait]です。 (The weakness of [A] is [B].)

In professional settings, tansho is often used with verbs like 挙げる (to list/mention) or 分析する (to analyze). For example, during a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), the 'Weaknesses' section is directly translated as tansho or jyakuten. However, tansho feels slightly more formal and structured than warui tokoro (bad parts).

面接で自分の短所を正直に話しました。(I spoke honestly about my weaknesses in the interview.)

When discussing objects, tansho is used to point out design flaws or functional limitations. It often appears in the phrase tansho wo oginau (to compensate for shortcomings). This is common in engineering or team-building contexts where one person's strength covers another's weakness. This collaborative nuance is very common in Japanese corporate culture.

Comparative Usage: Comparing chosho and tansho: 長所もあれば短所もある。(If there are strengths, there are also weaknesses / Everyone has their pros and cons.)

このソフトは使いやすいのが長所だが、動作が重いのが短所だ。(The merit of this software is that it's easy to use, but the drawback is that it runs slowly.)

In a more literary or philosophical sense, tansho can be used to describe the inherent limitations of a system or a philosophy. For example, 'The shortcoming of democracy is...' would use tansho. It carries a weight of objective observation. It is rarely used for temporary mistakes (which would be misutake or ayamachi) but rather for persistent characteristics.

Addressing Weaknesses: 短所を直す (to fix/correct a weakness), 短所を隠す (to hide a weakness), 短所を認める (to admit a weakness).

彼は自分の短所を直そうと努力している。(He is making an effort to correct his shortcomings.)

チームメンバーがお互いの短所を補い合うことが大切だ。(It is important for team members to compensate for each other's weaknesses.)

どんなに優れた人でも、必ず一つや二つの短所はある。(No matter how excellent a person is, they certainly have one or two shortcomings.)

If you are in Japan, you will likely encounter 短所 in several high-stakes environments. The most common is the Japanese job market. During 'Shukatsu' (job hunting), students spend months performing 'Jiko-Bunseki' (self-analysis). A central part of this is identifying their chosho and tansho. You will hear career counselors say, 'Don't just list a tansho; show how you are overcoming it.' This makes the word synonymous with personal development and professional readiness.

Job Interview Context: Question: 'あなたの短所を教えてください' (Please tell me your weaknesses.) Response: '私の短所は心配性なところですが...' (My weakness is that I worry too much, but...)

In the education system, teachers use tansho during parent-teacher conferences. While they try to be positive, they might point out a student's tansho in terms of focus or organization. However, in modern Japanese pedagogy, there is a shift toward focusing on chosho (strengths) rather than dwelling on tansho, a movement often called 'Chosho-Shinten-Kyoiku' (education that extends strengths).

この子の短所ばかりを見るのではなく、長所を伸ばしてあげましょう。(Instead of looking only at this child's weaknesses, let's develop their strengths.)

Consumer culture is another major arena. Magazines and websites that compare products (like 'Kakaku.com' or 'MyBest') will have dedicated sections for 'Merits' and 'Demerits.' Often, 'Demerits' (デメリット) is used for a modern feel, but tansho remains the standard for formal reviews and technical specifications. If you read a car review or a camera manual, the 'limitations' section will often refer to tansho.

Self-Help and Literature: Book titles like 'How to turn your weaknesses into your greatest weapons' use tansho to appeal to readers looking for self-improvement.

その小説の主人公は、多くの短所を持っているからこそ共感できる。(The protagonist of that novel is relatable precisely because they have many flaws.)

In business strategy meetings, you might hear the phrase 'Tansho-wo-utsu' (hitting the weak point), although jyakuten is more common there. However, when evaluating a proposal, a senior manager might say, 'This plan has a fatal tansho.' This indicates that the problem is inherent to the structure of the plan itself.

Social Media & Dating: Even on dating apps or profile bios, people might playfully list a tansho like 'being a bit of a klutz' to appear more approachable (aikkyou ga aru).

自分の短所を笑い話にできる人は魅力的だ。(People who can turn their weaknesses into funny stories are attractive.)

都会の生活には便利さという長所がある反面、騒がしいという短所もある。(City life has the advantage of convenience, but on the other hand, it has the shortcoming of being noisy.)

While 短所 is a straightforward term, learners often confuse it with similar words like ketten (defect), jyakuten (weak point), or ayamachi (mistake). Understanding the boundaries of tansho is crucial for sounding natural. The most frequent mistake is using tansho to describe a one-time error or a physical break in an object.

Mistake 1: Tansho vs. Ketten: Learners often use tansho for product defects. If a car's brakes don't work, that's a ketten (defect) or kekkan (flaw), not a tansho. Tansho is for things like 'low fuel efficiency'—it works, but it's not ideal.

Another error is using tansho in sports or combat contexts. If a boxer has a 'weak spot' in their defense, Japanese people use jyakuten (weak point). Tansho is for character traits or general properties. You wouldn't say 'The enemy's tansho is his left side.' That sounds like the enemy has a personality flaw on his left side!

× 彼のボクシングの短所はあごだ。(Incorrect: His boxing shortcoming is his chin.)
○ 彼のボクシングの弱点はあごだ。(Correct: His boxing weak point is his chin.)

A third common mistake is the confusion between tansho and warui tokoro. While they mean roughly the same thing, warui tokoro is much more colloquial. Using tansho in a casual fight with a friend ('Your tansho is that you're late!') can sound overly clinical or like you're conducting a performance review. In personal arguments, warui tokoro or iya na tokoro (unpleasant parts) is more natural.

Mistake 2: Negative Connotation: Do not use tansho when you mean 'disadvantage' in a situational sense. If you are 'at a disadvantage' because it's raining, use furi (不利). Tansho is an inherent quality, not a situational one.

× 雨の日は外での試合に短所がある。(Incorrect: Rainy days have a shortcoming for outdoor matches.)
○ 雨の日は外での試合に不利だ。(Correct: Rainy days are a disadvantage for outdoor matches.)

Finally, remember the balance. In Japanese communication, mentioning a tansho without a context of improvement or a balancing chosho can feel overly negative. The word is almost always part of a larger 'evaluation' framework rather than a standalone insult.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Fault': If something is 'your fault,' the word is sei (せい) or sekinin (責任). You cannot say 'It is my tansho that the vase broke.'

× 花瓶が割れたのは私の短所です。(Incorrect: Breaking the vase is my shortcoming.)
○ 花瓶が割れたのは私のせいです。(Correct: It's my fault the vase broke.)

× このパソコンの短所は画面が割れていることだ。(Incorrect: The shortcoming of this PC is that the screen is broken.)

To truly master 短所, you must see how it fits into the ecosystem of Japanese words for 'negatives.' Depending on whether you are talking about a person's character, a physical object, a strategic position, or a logical argument, the word you choose will change. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives and how they differ from tansho.

短所 (Tansho) vs. 欠点 (Ketten): Tansho: Focuses on a 'short point' or lack of strength. It's evaluative and often used for character.
Ketten: Focuses on a 'missing point' or a flaw. It sounds more objective and 'broken.' You find ketten in a machine; you find tansho in a personality.

While they are often used interchangeably, ketten is slightly harsher. If you tell someone they have many ketten, it sounds like they are fundamentally flawed. If you say they have tansho, it sounds like they just have areas to work on.

短所 (Tansho) vs. 弱点 (Jyakuten): Tansho: A general shortcoming or trait.
Jyakuten: A 'weak point' that can be exploited, like an Achilles' heel. Used in sports, games, and arguments. 'His jyakuten is his temper' means you can make him angry to win.

In a business proposal, a tansho might be that it's expensive. A jyakuten might be that it's vulnerable to a specific competitor's pricing. One is a characteristic; the other is a vulnerability.

短所 (Tansho) vs. デメリット (Demeritto): Tansho: Traditional, formal, and used for people/things.
Demeritto: Katakana English. Very common in modern business and casual talk. Usually refers to the 'cons' in a 'pros and cons' list regarding a decision or a product.

この案のメリットとデメリットを比較しましょう。(Let's compare the merits and demerits of this proposal.)

For personality, you almost never use demeritto. You wouldn't say 'My demeritto is that I'm shy.' That sounds like you are a product being sold! Use tansho for people.

Other Nuanced Alternatives: 悪い所 (Warui tokoro): Literal 'bad parts.' Casual.
苦手 (Nigate): Things you are not good at. Often used instead of tansho to sound less heavy. 'Speaking is my nigate' instead of 'My tansho is speaking.'
不備 (Fubi): Deficiencies or missing parts in a document or system.

書類に不備がありました。(There was a deficiency in the documents.)

自分の短所を長所に変える努力をしています。(I am making an effort to turn my weaknesses into strengths.)

このシステムの最大の欠陥は、セキュリティの脆弱性だ。(The biggest flaw in this system is the security vulnerability.)

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The antonym '長所' (Chosho) uses the character for 'long.' This 'long vs. short' dichotomy for 'good vs. bad' traits is a deeply rooted metaphor in East Asian languages, suggesting that 'good' is having 'more' of a quality and 'bad' is having 'less.'

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈtæn.ʃɒ/

US /ˈtæn.ʃoʊ/

In Japanese (Heiban style), the pitch starts low on 'ta' and rises on 'nsho', staying high.

Rima com

Kansho (Appreciation/Interference) Gansho (Application) Dansho (Fragment) Sansho (Reference) Hansho (Counter-evidence) Nansho (Difficult place) Yansho (Noisy/Colloquial) Zansho (Remaining heat)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'n' as a separate syllable with a vowel sound (e.g., 'ta-ni-sho').
Making the 'sho' sound too long like 'shou' (though this is common in some dialects, standard Japanese keeps it short).
Stressing the 'Tan' like an English word, which can change the pitch accent.
Confusing the reading with 'Tanshu' or 'Tansai'.
Failing to pronounce the 'n' clearly before the 'sh' sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

The kanji are common but require N3/N2 level knowledge to read correctly in context.

Escrita 4/5

Writing the kanji '短' and '所' correctly requires practice, especially the stroke order for '所'.

Expressão oral 2/5

The pronunciation is simple and the word is used frequently in self-introductions.

Audição 2/5

Easily recognizable due to its distinct 'tan-sho' sound and frequent pairing with 'chosho'.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

短い (Short) 所 (Place) 良い (Good) 悪い (Bad) 性格 (Personality)

Aprenda a seguir

長所 (Strong point) 欠点 (Flaw) 弱点 (Weak point) 克服する (To overcome) 補う (To compensate)

Avançado

一長一短 (Merits and demerits) 脆弱性 (Vulnerability) 欠陥 (Defect) 是正 (Correction) 露呈 (Exposure)

Gramática essencial

Noun + の + 短所 (Possessive)

私の短所 (My weakness), この本の短所 (This book's shortcoming).

Noun + は + [Clause] + ことだ (Definition)

短所は怒りっぽいことだ。(The weakness is being quick to anger.)

短所 + を + Verb (Object marker)

短所を直す (Fix a weakness).

短所 + が + Adjective (Subject marker)

短所が目立つ (Weakness is prominent).

短所 + も + [Positive Clause] (Contrast)

短所もあるが、いい人だ。(He has weaknesses, but he's a good person.)

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Exemplos por nível

わたしのたんしょは、あきっぽいところです。

My weak point is that I get bored easily.

Uses 'no wa ... tokoro desu' pattern to define the noun.

このカメラのたんしょは、おもいことです。

The weak point of this camera is that it is heavy.

Uses 'koto' to turn the adjective 'heavy' into a noun phrase.

だれにでも、たんしょはあります。

Everyone has weak points.

Uses the existence verb 'arimasu'.

たんしょをおしえてください。

Please tell me the weak points.

Simple imperative 'oshiete kudasai'.

このかばんのたんしょは、ちいさいことです。

The weak point of this bag is that it is small.

A1 level descriptive sentence.

たんしょとちょうしょをかきます。

I will write the weak points and strong points.

Basic 'A to B' structure.

かれのたんしょは、うるさいところです。

His weak point is that he is noisy.

Describing a person's trait.

たんしょは、あまりありません。

There aren't many weak points.

Uses 'amari ... nai' for 'not many'.

自分の短所を知ることは大切です。

It is important to know your own weak points.

Uses 'koto wa taisetsu desu' (doing X is important).

このスマホの短所は、電池がすぐ切れることです。

The weak point of this smartphone is that the battery runs out quickly.

Uses a full clause ending in 'koto' as the definition.

短所を直したいと思っています。

I want to fix my shortcomings.

Uses 'tai to omotte imasu' (thinking I want to...).

長所と短所をリストにしました。

I made a list of strong points and weak points.

Uses 'ni shimashita' (made into).

彼の短所は、時間に遅れることです。

His shortcoming is being late for time.

Common personality description.

短所があっても、彼はいい人です。

Even if he has shortcomings, he is a good person.

Uses 'temo' (even if).

このアパートの短所は、駅から遠いことです。

The weak point of this apartment is that it's far from the station.

Describing a location's disadvantage.

あなたの短所は何ですか。

What is your weak point?

Standard question format.

面接では、短所をどうカバーするか聞かれます。

In interviews, you'll be asked how you cover for your weaknesses.

Uses 'dou ... ka' (how to...) indirect question.

短所を補い合えるチームが理想的だ。

A team that can compensate for each other's weaknesses is ideal.

Uses '補い合う' (to mutually compensate).

彼女は自分の短所をよく理解している。

She understands her own shortcomings well.

Uses 'yoku' (well) to modify the verb.

この計画には、いくつかの致命的な短所がある。

This plan has several fatal shortcomings.

Uses '致命的な' (fatal/critical) as a modifier.

短所を指摘されて、少し落ち込んだ。

I felt a bit down after having my weak points pointed out.

Passive form 'shiteki sarete'.

短所は長所の裏返しだと言われることがある。

It is sometimes said that weaknesses are the flip side of strengths.

Uses 'to iwareru koto ga aru' (it is sometimes said that...).

新しい薬には、副作用という短所がある。

The new medicine has the drawback of side effects.

Uses 'to iu' (called/which is) to define the noun.

短所を隠すよりも、認める方がいい。

It is better to admit your weaknesses than to hide them.

Uses 'yori mo ... hou ga ii' (rather than X, Y is better).

自己分析を通じて、自分の短所を客観的に見つめ直した。

Through self-analysis, I re-examined my weaknesses objectively.

Uses 'tsuujite' (through) and 'mitsume-naosu' (re-examine).

このシステムの短所を克服しない限り、導入は難しい。

Unless we overcome the shortcomings of this system, implementation will be difficult.

Uses 'nai kagiri' (unless/as long as ... not).

短所を長所に変換して伝えるテクニックを学んだ。

I learned the technique of reframing weaknesses as strengths when communicating.

Uses 'henkan shite' (converting and...).

彼の短所は、独断で物事を進めてしまう点にある。

His shortcoming lies in the fact that he proceeds with things arbitrarily.

Uses 'ten ni aru' (lies in the point that...).

どの候補者にも一長一短があり、選ぶのが難しい。

Every candidate has their merits and demerits, making it hard to choose.

Uses the idiom '一長一短' (iccho-ittan).

短所が目立つようでは、プロとして失格だ。

If your weaknesses are so prominent, you are disqualified as a professional.

Uses 'yō de wa' (if it is the case that...).

その政策は、短所ばかりが強調されている気がする。

I feel that only the shortcomings of that policy are being emphasized.

Uses 'bakari ga' (only/nothing but).

短所をさらけ出すことで、周囲の信頼を得ることもある。

Sometimes, by exposing your weaknesses, you can gain the trust of those around you.

Uses 'sarakedasu koto de' (by exposing).

理論の短所を鋭く指摘され、彼は言葉に詰まった。

He was at a loss for words after having the shortcomings of his theory sharply pointed out.

Uses 'suruku' (sharply) and 'kotoba ni tsumatta' (was speechless).

組織の構造的な短所が、今回の不祥事を招いた一因だ。

The structural shortcomings of the organization were one factor that led to this scandal.

Uses 'kouzou-teki' (structural) and 'manaita' (led to/invited).

短所を単なる欠点と捉えるか、伸び代と捉えるかで結果は変わる。

The results change depending on whether you perceive a shortcoming as a mere flaw or as room for growth.

Uses 'to toraeru' (to perceive/interpret as).

彼の最大の短所は、他人の意見を撥ね付けてしまう頑迷さにある。

His greatest shortcoming lies in his stubbornness, which causes him to reject others' opinions.

Uses 'ganmeisa' (stubbornness) and 'hanetsukete shimau' (ends up rejecting).

作品の短所を補って余りあるほどの魅力が、そこにはあった。

There was a charm there that more than compensated for the work's shortcomings.

Uses the advanced phrase '補って余りある' (more than compensate for).

自らの短所を客観視できないリーダーは、組織を危うくする。

A leader who cannot view their own shortcomings objectively puts the organization at risk.

Uses 'kyakkan-shi' (objective viewing) and 'ayauku suru' (to endanger).

短所を露呈することを恐れず、挑戦し続ける姿勢が重要だ。

The attitude of continuing to challenge oneself without fear of exposing one's shortcomings is important.

Uses 'rotei suru' (to expose/reveal).

この議論の短所は、前提条件が非現実的であることだ。

The shortcoming of this argument is that the prerequisites are unrealistic.

Uses 'zentei jouken' (prerequisites/premises).

人間性の短所を愛することこそが、真の寛容と言えるのではないか。

Could it not be said that loving the shortcomings of human nature is the essence of true tolerance?

Uses 'koso ga' (precisely/truly) and 'iueru no de wa nai ka' (is it not the case that...).

制度の短所が看過された結果、社会的な歪みが生じている。

As a result of the system's shortcomings being overlooked, social distortions are occurring.

Uses 'kanka sareta' (was overlooked) and 'hizumi' (distortion/strain).

短所を美徳として昇華させる文学的手法が、この作家の特徴だ。

A characteristic of this writer is the literary technique of sublimating shortcomings into virtues.

Uses 'shouka saseru' (to sublimate) and 'bitoku' (virtue).

自己の短所に対する仮借ない批判が、彼の芸術を研ぎ澄ませた。

Relentless criticism of his own shortcomings sharpened his art.

Uses 'kashaku nai' (relentless/unsparing) and 'togisumaseta' (sharpened/refined).

短所を包含した全体性こそが、個人のアイデンティティを形成する。

It is the wholeness that includes one's shortcomings that forms an individual's identity.

Uses 'hougan shita' (inclusive of) and 'zentaisei' (wholeness/totality).

論理的な短所を衝かれ、彼の主張は脆くも崩れ去った。

His argument collapsed easily after its logical shortcomings were struck.

Uses 'tsukare' (being struck/poked) and 'moroku mo' (fragilely/easily).

短所を自覚しつつも、それを超克しようとする意志に人間味を感じる。

I feel a sense of humanity in the will to overcome one's shortcomings while being aware of them.

Uses 'choukoku' (overcoming/transcending).

万物に短所があるという認識が、東洋哲学の根底に流れている。

The recognition that all things have shortcomings flows at the base of Eastern philosophy.

Uses 'banbutsu' (all things) and 'kontei ni nagarete iru' (flows at the base).

Sinônimos

欠点デメリット弱み弱点

Antônimos

長所利点

Colocações comuns

短所を補う

短所を克服する

致命的な短所

短所が目立つ

短所を挙げる

短所を直す

短所を認める

短所を隠す

短所を指摘する

短所を理解する

Frases Comuns

長所と短所

— Strengths and weaknesses. This is the most common pair for self-evaluation.

履歴書に長所と短所を書く。

短所は長所の裏返し

— Weaknesses are the flip side of strengths. A philosophical view on personality.

短所は長所の裏返しだから、気にするな。

一長一短がある

— To have both merits and demerits. Used when comparing options.

どの案も一長一短があって決められない。

短所を長所に変える

— To turn a weakness into a strength. A common theme in self-help.

短所を長所に変える方法を教えてください。

短所をカバーする

— To cover or compensate for a weakness.

この機能がシステムの短所をカバーしている。

自分の短所を棚に上げる

— To ignore one's own flaws while criticizing others (idiomatic).

自分の短所を棚に上げて、人のことばかり言う。

短所を突く

— To point out or exploit a weakness.

相手の短所を突くような発言は控えるべきだ。

短所をさらけ出す

— To expose or reveal one's weaknesses openly.

彼は短所をさらけ出すことで親しみやすさを出している。

致命的な短所

— A fatal flaw or a critical shortcoming.

この計画には致命的な短所があることがわかった。

短所が鼻につく

— To find someone's flaws annoying or offensive.

彼の短所が鼻について、一緒にいられない。

Frequentemente confundido com

短所 vs 欠点 (Ketten)

Ketten is a 'flaw' or 'defect.' Tansho is a 'shortcoming.' Use Ketten for more serious or objective errors.

短所 vs 弱点 (Jyakuten)

Jyakuten is a 'weak point' in a battle or competition. Tansho is a general characteristic.

短所 vs 不備 (Fubi)

Fubi means something is missing or incomplete (like paperwork). Tansho is an inherent quality.

Expressões idiomáticas

"一長一短"

— Something has both advantages and disadvantages; having merits and demerits.

この二つの製品は一長一短で、甲乙つけがたい。

Formal/Idiomatic

"短を補い長を伸ばす"

— To compensate for weaknesses and develop strengths.

教育の目的は、短を補い長を伸ばすことにある。

Academic/Formal

"短所を棚に上げる"

— To disregard one's own faults while critiquing others.

彼は自分の短所を棚に上げて、部下を叱っている。

Informal/Criticism

"寸鉄人を刺す"

— A short, sharp critique that hits a person's weak point (related to hitting the 'tan').

彼の言葉は寸鉄人を刺すように、私の短所を突いた。

Literary

"玉に瑕"

— A flaw in a jewel; a single flaw in an otherwise perfect thing (related to 'ketten' and 'tansho').

彼は完璧な男だが、少しケチなのが玉に瑕だ。

Idiomatic

"短を捨て長を取る"

— To discard the bad points and adopt the good points.

他人の短を捨て長を取る姿勢が学びには必要だ。

Formal/Proverbial

"痘痕も靨"

— Love is blind (pockmarks look like dimples). Even shortcomings look like strengths to a lover.

痘痕も靨で、彼女には彼の短所が見えないようだ。

Idiomatic

"短を隠して長を現す"

— To hide one's weaknesses and show only one's strengths.

面接では短を隠して長を現すのが一般的だ。

Formal

"人の振り見て我が振り直せ"

— Watch others' behavior and correct your own (shortcomings).

人の振り見て我が振り直せという。他人の短所を見て自分を律しよう。

Proverbial

"自画自賛"

— Singing one's own praises (ignoring one's 'tansho').

彼は自画自賛ばかりで、自分の短所を認めようとしない。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

短所 vs 短気 (Tanki)

Both start with 'Tan' (short).

Tanki specifically means 'short-tempered.' Tansho is any general weakness.

私の短所は短気なところです。(My weakness is being short-tempered.)

短所 vs 短縮 (Tanshuku)

Both start with 'Tan' (short).

Tanshuku means 'shortening' or 'reduction' (of time/distance).

時間の短縮が課題だ。(Reducing time is the challenge.)

短所 vs 長所 (Chosho)

They are antonyms often used together.

Chosho is a strength; Tansho is a weakness. Don't mix them up in an interview!

長所と短所を教えてください。(Please tell me your strengths and weaknesses.)

短所 vs 箇所 (Kasho)

Both end with 'Sho' (place).

Kasho means 'a specific place or part' (neutral). Tansho is a 'weak point' (negative).

間違っている箇所を直す。(Fix the part that is wrong.)

短所 vs 致命傷 (Chiméishō)

Sounds like 'Chiméiteki na tansho' (fatal flaw).

Chiméishō is a literal 'fatal wound.'

それが致命傷となった。(That became the fatal wound.)

Padrões de frases

[Noun] の短所は [Adjective] です。

このカメラの短所は重いです。

私の短所は [Verb-dict] ことです。

私の短所は食べすぎることです。

短所を [Verb-te] 、[Result]。

短所を指摘されて、恥ずかしかった。

短所を [Verb-dictionary] ために、[Action]。

短所を克服するために、毎日練習している。

短所を [Noun] と捉える。

短所を伸び代と捉える。

短所を包含する [Noun]。

短所を包含する人間性。

短所は長所の裏返しだ。

短所は長所の裏返しだと言える。

[Option A] も [Option B] も一長一短だ。

電車もバスも一長一短だ。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

短所 (Shortcoming)

一長一短 (Merits and demerits)

短気 (Short-temperedness)

短文 (Short sentence)

Verbos

短縮する (To shorten/abbreviate)

短める (To make shorter - archaic/dialect)

Adjetivos

短い (Short)

短絡的な (Short-circuited/Simplistic)

Relacionado

長所 (Strong point)

欠点 (Flaw)

弱点 (Weak point)

美点 (Virtue)

欠陥 (Defect)

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Como usar

frequency

Very frequent in educational, professional, and self-help contexts.

Erros comuns

Using 'tansho' for broken objects. → 故障 (koshō) or 壊れている (kowarete iru).
'Tansho' is for inherent qualities or disadvantages, not physical damage.
Using 'tansho' as 'my fault'. → 私のせい (watashi no sei).
'Tansho' is a trait, not a cause of a specific mistake or accident.
Using 'tansho' for situational disadvantages. → 不利 (furi).
If you are at a disadvantage because of the weather, use 'furi,' not 'tansho.'
Confusing 'tansho' with 'tanki'. → 短所 (shortcoming) vs 短気 (short-tempered).
While 'tanki' can be a 'tansho,' they are not synonyms.
Using 'tansho' for moral crimes. → 罪 (tsumi) or 悪事 (akuji).
Stealing is a crime, not just a 'shortcoming.' 'Tansho' is for personality quirks.

Dicas

Using 'Tokoro' with Tansho

When describing a personality trait as a 'tansho,' always end the trait with 'tokoro' (point/aspect). For example: '頑固なところ' (the aspect of being stubborn).

Humility is Key

In Japan, listing your 'tansho' first or alongside your 'chosho' shows humility (kenkyo). It's socially safer than only boasting about strengths.

Reframing

Learn to '言い換え' (iikae - rephrase). Turn 'shinsetsu-sugiru' (too kind - a tansho) into 'omoiyari ga aru' (considerate - a chosho).

Kanji Logic

Remember the kanji: 短 (Short) + 所 (Place). A 'short place' is where you are lacking.

SWOT Analysis

In Japanese business, the 'W' in SWOT is usually '短所' or '弱み' (yowami). Use these terms in your reports.

Softening Criticism

If you must point out someone's 'tansho,' use the phrase 'あえて短所を挙げるとすれば...' (If I were to dare list a shortcoming...) to sound polite.

Kanji Precision

Be careful with the '斤' part of '所.' Don't confuse it with '丘' or other similar shapes.

Pitch Accent

The word is 'Heiban' (flat). Keep your voice steady after the initial low start.

Compensating

Memorize the phrase '短所を補う' (tansho wo oginau). It's a high-frequency phrase in teamwork and engineering.

Pair Learning

Always study '短所' and '長所' together. They are inseparable in most contexts.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a ruler that is too **short** (短) to reach the **place** (所) it needs to measure. That 'short place' is the ruler's **shortcoming**.

Associação visual

Visualize a 'plus' sign (+) for 長所 (long/strong) and a 'minus' sign (-) for 短所 (short/weak). The minus sign is 'shorter' than the plus sign.

Word Web

短所 (Weakness) 長所 (Strength) 性格 (Personality) 面接 (Interview) 改善 (Improvement) 自己PR (Self-PR) 補う (Compensate) 欠点 (Flaw)

Desafio

Try to list three of your own 'tansho' in Japanese, but for each one, write a sentence using 'oginau' (to compensate) to explain how you handle it.

Origem da palavra

The word '短所' comes from Sino-Japanese (Kango) roots. The character '短' (tan) originally depicted a short vessel or measuring tool, leading to the meaning of 'short' or 'lacking.' The character '所' (sho) originally depicted a door (戸) and an axe (斤), signifying a place where wood is cut, which evolved to mean 'place' or 'point.'

Significado original: A specific point (所) where something is short (短) or lacking compared to a standard.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when pointing out others' 'tansho.' In Japan, direct criticism is often avoided to save 'face' (menboku). Use indirect language when discussing someone else's weaknesses.

In English, we often use 'weakness' or 'flaw.' In professional settings, we are taught to 'spin' a weakness into a strength (e.g., 'I work too hard'). In Japanese, the 'spin' is expected but the acknowledgment of the 'tansho' must feel sincere.

The 'SWOT Analysis' used in Japanese business schools (Strengths, Weaknesses/Tansho, Opportunities, Threats). Self-help book: '短所を長所に変える言い換え事典' (The Dictionary of Reframing Weaknesses into Strengths). Anime tropes: Characters with a obvious 'tansho' (like being clumsy) are often used to create 'moe' or relatability.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Job Interview

短所を教えてください
私の短所は〜です
短所を克服するために〜
短所を補う努力

Product Review

この製品の短所
最大の短所は価格だ
短所はあるが性能はいい
他社製品に比べた短所

Team Building

お互いの短所を補う
短所を認め合う
チームの短所を分析する
個人の短所をカバーする

Self-Reflection

自分の短所に向き合う
短所を直したい
短所も自分の一部だ
短所を紙に書き出す

Literary Critique

主人公の短所
作品の構造的な短所
理論の短所を指摘する
短所が魅力を引き立てる

Iniciadores de conversa

"あなたの長所と短所は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?)"

"面接で短所を聞かれたら、どう答えますか？ (If asked about your weaknesses in an interview, how would you answer?)"

"最近買ったもので、何か短所はありましたか？ (Were there any shortcomings in something you bought recently?)"

"短所を長所に変えることはできると思いますか？ (Do you think it's possible to turn a weakness into a strength?)"

"人の短所が気になるとき、どう対応しますか？ (When someone's shortcomings bother you, how do you handle it?)"

Temas para diário

今日は自分の短所について考えてみましょう。それをどう改善したいですか？ (Let's think about your own weaknesses today. How do you want to improve them?)

誰かの短所を助けてあげた経験について書いてください。 (Write about an experience where you helped someone with their weakness.)

完璧な人間がいない理由を、短所の視点から考えてください。 (Consider why there are no perfect humans from the perspective of shortcomings.)

あなたの好きなキャラクターの短所は何ですか？それがなぜ魅力的なのですか？ (What is your favorite character's weakness? Why is it attractive?)

仕事や学校のプロジェクトで、計画の短所を見つけた時のことを思い出してください。 (Recall a time when you found a shortcoming in a plan for work or school.)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it can be used for people, objects, systems, and plans. For example, 'この車の短所は燃費だ' (The weakness of this car is fuel efficiency).

Yes, it refers to a weakness, but in Japanese culture, identifying and admitting it is seen as a positive step toward growth.

'Tansho' is often used for personality and relative weaknesses. 'Ketten' sounds more like a 'defect' or a 'flaw' that makes something imperfect or broken.

You can say '私の短所は[Trait]なところです' (Watashi no tansho wa ... na tokoro desu).

Yes, but 'warui tokoro' (bad parts) is more common among close friends. 'Tansho' sounds slightly more formal or analytical.

It's an idiom meaning 'having both merits and demerits.' It literally translates to 'one long, one short.'

Mention a real weakness, but immediately follow up with how you are working to fix it. This shows self-awareness and effort.

Sometimes, but 'jyakuten' (weak point) is more common for tactical weaknesses like 'a weak backhand' in tennis.

The opposite is 'chosho' (長所), which means strong point or merit.

No. Although it uses the kanji for 'short,' it only means a 'shortcoming.' For 'short distance,' use 'tankyori' (短距離).

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