弱いです
yowai desu
In Japanese, "I am weak" is expressed as 弱いです (yowai desu).
The phrase is used to state that one lacks physical strength or power. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a lack of skill or proficiency in a specific area, such as being "weak at math" or "weak at sports".
Which one should you use?
The adjective 弱い (yowai) can stand alone to express weakness in an informal context, whereas the full phrase 弱いです (yowai desu) includes the polite copula for a more formal tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of the phrase can consist of just the adjective 弱い (yowai) without the polite copula.
How do you pronounce it?
yowai desu
Did you know?
- When talking about alcohol, saying お酒に弱い (osake ni yowai) does not mean you are physically frail, but that you have a low tolerance for drinking.
- In Japanese, the word 弱い (yowai) can be used to describe a light breeze or a gentle rain, moving beyond people to describe the 'weakness' of natural forces.
- In modern Japanese internet culture, saying 弱い (yowai) can be a meme referencing the 'weak' character archetypes in anime or manga, often used ironically to describe someone who is actually powerful.
Examples in context
- 私は風邪に弱いです。Watashi wa kaze ni yowai desu.I am weak against colds.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are trying to move a heavy box.
- 美咲 Misakiこの箱、重すぎます！Kono hako, omosugimasu!This box is too heavy!
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さん、手伝いましょうか？Misaki-san, tetsudaimashō ka?Misaki, shall I help you?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、私は弱いですから。Hai, watashi wa yowai desu kara.Yes, because I am weak.
- 大翔 Hiroto大丈夫です。僕が持ちますね。Daijōbu desu. Boku ga mochimasu ne.It's okay. I'll carry it.
