弱虫
yowamushi[jo̞β̞a̠mɯ̟ɕi]
The English word "weakling" is translated into Japanese as 弱虫 (yowamushi).
弱虫 refers to a person with a weak or even sickly physical constitution. However, it is most commonly used to describe someone who is cowardly or lacks mental fortitude.
Meaning: person of weak or even sickly physical constitution (noun)
Which one should you use?
Whereas 虚弱 is a medical or formal term for a sickly constitution, 弱虫 is more colloquial and often carries a teasing or insulting nuance regarding one's courage.
How do you pronounce it?
yowamushi
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word 虫 in 弱虫 relates to the ancient belief that 'bugs' or parasites in the body controlled human emotions and temperament.
- The word 弱虫 is a compound of 'weak' and 'insect'. In Japanese, the suffix 虫 is often used to create derogatory nouns for people, much like how English uses 'bug' or 'worm' in insults.
- In Japanese culture, the concept of 'weakness' is often tied to the lack of gaman, which is the ability to endure hardship with patience and dignity.
Examples in context
- 僕は弱虫さ。I'm a weakling.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are a 弱虫.Tatoeba #11059699 by small_snow, translation #5851210 by CK
- トムって、弱虫ね。Tom is a weakling.This sentence is useful for describing someone else as a 弱虫.Tatoeba #11059701 by small_snow, translation #1524706 by Spamster
- あの人は弱虫で何もできないよ。That person is a weakling and cannot do anything.
- 彼は強がりをするけど、実は弱いんだよ。He pretends to be strong, but he's actually weak.
- あいつはヘタレで何もできへん。That person is a weakling and can't do anything.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a scary ride at an amusement park.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔は弱虫だから乗れないのかな？Daisho wa yowamushi dakara norenai no kana?I wonder if Daisho can't ride it because he's a weakling.
- 陽葵 Himari私は弱虫じゃないよ！Watashi wa yowamushi janai yo!I'm not a weakling!
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、一緒に乗ろう。Jaa, issho ni norou.Then let's ride it together.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、いいよ。Un, ii yo.Yeah, okay.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 弱虫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
