Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| débil | /ˈdebil/ | |
| feble | /ˈfeble/ | |
| flojo | /ˈfloxo/ | |
| debilucho | /debiˈlut͡ʃo/ | |
| pilishte | /piliste/ (from spelling rules) | Central America |
| pilishne | /pilisne/ (from spelling rules) | El Salvador |
| pishteluco | /pisteluko/ (from spelling rules) | Guatemala |
The primary way to express being lacking in force or ability is through débil. In certain contexts, such as describing a fragile or delicate state of weakness, you might use delicado.
Which one should you use?
While débil refers specifically to a lack of strength or force, flojo is often used to describe something that is physically loose, such as a screw or a person who is lazy or slack.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term debilucho is an informal, diminutive form used pejoratively to describe someone as a weakling or puny. In contrast, delicado can be used to convey a more formal sense of fragility.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Caribbean Latin American countries, flojo may be used more frequently to describe weakness, even in formal settings. For specific regional variations, pishteluco is used in Guatemala, pilishte is found in Central America and pilishne is used in El Salvador.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the adjective débil plural, add -es to form débiles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdebil/
Did you know?
- The word flojo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'flux'. Both come from the Latin fluxus, meaning a flowing or loose state.
- The word endeble is a close relative of débil and is often used to describe the structural weakness of an object, like a chair or a table, rather than a person.
- The word debilucho uses the suffix -ucho, which in Spanish is often used to turn a neutral adjective into something contemptuous or ugly.
Examples in context
- Tom se hizo débil.Tom became weak.This sentence shows how to use débil with the verb 'to become'.Tatoeba #10233342 by manufrutos, translation #6220036 by CK
- El enemigo es débil.The enemy is weak.This sentence demonstrates using débil to describe an enemy.Tatoeba #2264805 by marcelostockle, translation #1836098 by Spamster
- Él es pequeño y débil.He is small and weak.This sentence shows débil used in a description of a person.Tatoeba #1903160 by Shishir, translation #675707 by Bilberry
- Tengo un estómago delicadoI have a weak stomach
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking in a kitchen after Javier gets sick.
- Elena¿Cómo te sientes hoy, Javier?How do you feel today, Javier?
- JavierTodavía me siento un poco débil.I still feel a bit weak.
- ElenaDeberías descansar más para recuperarte.You should rest more to recover.
- JavierTienes razón, Elena.You are right, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weak” translations and entries débil, feble, flojo, debilucho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries débil, feble, flojo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
