약한
yakhan
The English word 'weak' is translated into Korean as 약한 (yakhan).
The standard term for weak is 약하다, which can be used to describe both people and objects. To describe someone who is specifically lacking strength or energy, both physically and mentally, you may use 무기력하다.
Meaning: lacking in force or ability (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 약하다 is the standard term, 나약하다 is a more formal word that implies a higher degree of weakness and can describe a combination of physical weakness and vulnerability. Use 무기력하다 when you want to convey a specific lack of energy or strength.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 약해 is used in casual, non-polite speech. For polite, standard conversation, use 약해요. The word 나약하다 is considered a more formal option.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the adjective is 약하다. To modify a noun directly, such as 'weak person', you use the form 약한. Depending on the level of politeness required, the verb can be conjugated into the informal 약해 or the polite 약해요.
How do you pronounce it?
yakhan
Did you know?
- In casual slang, saying someone is 약하다 regarding alcohol means they have a low tolerance and get drunk quickly.
- The word 약하다 shares its sound with the word for 'medicine', which is 약. This can lead to confusing wordplay or puns in Korean comedy involving someone being 'weak' or 'medicine'.
- When discussing food, if a person says a dish is 약하다, they might actually mean the seasoning or the spice level is insufficient or 'lacking' rather than the food being physically weak.
Examples in context
- 나 진짜 약해I'm really weak
- 이 커피는 맛이 너무 약한 것 같아요.i keopi-neun masi neomu yakhan geot gat-ayo.I think this coffee's flavor is too weak.
- 그는 몸이 약한 편이에요.geuneun mom-i yakhan pyeon-ieyo.He is on the weaker side physically.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are talking about a person's health.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨는 몸이 약한 편인가요?Ji-hun ssi-neun mom-i yakhan pyeon-ingayo?Ji-hoon, are you physically weak?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 저는 아주 튼튼해요.aniyo, jeoneun aju teun-teun-haeyo.No, I am very strong.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 다행이네요.jeongmal dahaeng-ineyo.That's a relief.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨는 건강하시죠?Ji-eun ssi-neun geon-gang-hasijyo?You are healthy, aren't you, Ji-eun?
