сла́бый
slábyj
The English word 'weak' is translated into Russian as сла́бый (slábyj).
The word сла́бый is the most straightforward and commonly used term for 'weak' in Russian, denoting a lack of force or ability.
Meaning: lacking in force or ability (adj)
Which one should you use?
While сла́бый is the general term for weakness, other words carry specific nuances. Бессильный implies a sense of powerlessness or helplessness, while недостаточный can be used to convey weakness in terms of being insufficient or not enough. If you want to emphasize fragility, use хлипкий.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective сла́бый changes its form based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. The feminine form is сла́бая, the neuter form is сла́бое and the plural form is сла́бые. The genitive singular form is сла́бого.
How do you pronounce it?
slábyj
Did you know?
- The adverb form сла́бо is often used as a challenge to someone, meaning 'I bet you are too weak/cowardly to do this'.
- If a Russian speaker says someone is сла́бый человек, it often carries a heavy social stigma of being a 'pushover' or someone without 'spine', which can be more insulting than simply being physically weak.
- In certain culinary contexts, the word сла́бый can be used to describe 'weak' tea or coffee, indicating a low concentration of flavor.
Examples in context
- физически слабыйPhysically weak
- чувствовать себя слабымTo feel weak
- Неспортивный образ жизни приводит к слабости и ухудшает общую физическую форму.A sedentary lifestyle leads to weakness and deteriorates overall physical condition.
- Ну ты, конечно, слабач! Сражайся, не падай духом!Well, you're such a wimp! Fight on, don't lose heart!
- сла́бое виноWeak wine
- сла́бая женщинаA weak woman
- Этот чай слишком сла́бый.Etot chay slishkom slabyy.This tea is too weak.
- У меня сегодня сла́бый голос.U menya segodnya slabyy golos.I have a weak voice today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weak” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
