Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 弱 | ruò |
| 微弱 | wēiruò |
| 軟弱 / 软弱 | ruǎnruò |
The term 弱 is used to describe being lacking in force or ability. Depending on the context, there are more specific terms: use 无力 (wú lì) to describe a lack of strength, energy or to express helplessness. Use 脆弱 (cuì ruò) to describe fragility, indicating a state that is easily broken or delicate. And use 虚弱 (xūruò) to describe physical weakness caused by illness or lack of energy.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 弱 is a single morpheme meaning weak, often used in formal or written compounds.
Which one should you use?
While 弱 is a general term, other forms are specialized. Use 微弱 (wēiruò) specifically for sensory stimuli like light, sound or signals, rather than for human character or physical health. Use 软弱 (ruǎnruò) to describe a person's character or personality as being spineless or lacking determination.
How do you pronounce it?
ruò
Did you know?
- The character 弱 was originally a drawing of a bow 弓 and hair or decoration 彡, depicting a decorative bow that lacked the strength for actual battle.
- While 弱 means weak, the term 弱肉强食 (ruò ròu qiáng shí) literally means 'weak meat, strong eat', acting as the Chinese idiom for 'survival of the fittest'.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of being 'weak' is often paired with 'soft' 柔 to describe a strategic strength, such as in the philosophy of Tai Chi.
Examples in context
- 我感到虚弱。I feel weak.This sentence is useful for expressing how you feel physically using 弱.Tatoeba #6086795 by verdastelo9604, translation #2245759 by CK
- 她天生体弱。She is weak by nature.This sentence shows how to describe someone who is naturally weak using 弱.Tatoeba #8765192 by crescat, translation #315349 by CC
- 美丽、丑陋、富有、贫穷、强壮和虚弱都是形容词。Beautiful, ugly, rich, poor, strong, and weak are examples of adjectives.This sentence provides a list of various adjectives including 弱.Tatoeba #13744245 by fup6m3vj0, translation #12930860 by rul
- 他的身体太弱了，容易生病。His body is too weak, and he gets sick easily.
- 这个队员太软弱了，需要更多训练。This team member is too weak and needs more training.
- 别总被他的懦弱所影响，要相信自己的能力。Don't let his weakness affect you all the time, believe in your own abilities.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their progress at the gym.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，我觉得我的手臂还是很弱。Zhìqiáng, wǒ juéde wǒ de shǒubì háishì hěn ruò.Zhiqiang, I feel like my arms are still very weak.
- 志强 Zhiqiang别担心，慢慢练习就会变强。Bié dānxīn, mànman liànxí jiù huì biàn qiáng.Don't worry, you'll get stronger with practice.
- 佳怡 Jiayi但我举不起这个哑铃。Dàn wǒ jǔ bù qǐ zhège yǎlíng.But I can't lift this dumbbell.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那就换一个轻一点的吧。Nà jiù huàn yīgè qīng yīdiǎn de ba.Then just switch to a lighter one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weak” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 弱, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
