弱さ
yowasa[jo̞β̞a̠sa̠]
The English word 'weakness' can be translated into Japanese as 弱さ (yowasa). Wiktionary also lists 弱小 (jakushō).
Meaning: condition of being weak (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 弱さ | yowasa | [jo̞β̞a̠sa̠] (narrow) |
| 弱小 | jakushō | [d͡ʑa̠kɯ̟ɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
弱さ refers to the abstract condition or quality of being weak. For more specific contexts, you might use different terms: 弱点 is a common way to say 'weakness' in formal settings, while 脆弱さ emphasizes vulnerability and fragility, often conveying a slightly more negative tone.
Which one should you use?
While 弱さ refers to the abstract quality of weakness, 弱小 (jakushō) is a compound used to describe something that is both weak and small in scale, such as a small company or a minor political party.
How do you pronounce it?
yowasa
Did you know?
- Japanese uses the term 弱点 to describe an 'Achilles heel', but the culture also uses the phrase 弱み (yowami) to refer to a weakness that someone else can use for blackmail.
- While English uses 'weakness' to describe a fondness for something, like 'a weakness for chocolate', Japanese typically uses different expressions involving 'liking' or 'vulnerability' rather than the word for weakness.
- When discussing a person's character flaws, Japanese speakers might use the term 脆さ (morosa), which translates to 'brittleness' or 'fragility' rather than just 'weakness'.
Examples in context
- 私の弱さゆえに、あなたを傷つけてしまった。Because of my weakness, I hurt you.This sentence uses 弱さ to express how a personal weakness caused harm to someone else.Tatoeba #10903742 by bunbuku, translation #12018691 by Winter
- 自分の弱さを認めることほど難しいことはないと思う。I don't think there's anything so difficult as recognizing one's own weakness.This sentence uses 弱さ to discuss the difficulty of acknowledging one's own weakness.Tatoeba #3055197 by tommy_san, translation #11720056 by pip
- 驕傲は人間の弱さである。Human pride is human weakness.This sentence uses 弱さ to describe pride as a fundamental human weakness.Tatoeba #1484557 by marshmallowcat, translation #790440 by Martha
- 社長の弱点を発見しましたI found the CEO's weakness
- 彼の脆弱さは周りから指摘されていますHis weakness has been pointed out by those around him
- 新人社員の能力の弱さが露呈しましたThe weakness of the new employee's skills became apparent
- 彼の弱点を知っている?Do you know his weakness?
- スポーツは苦手だけど、音楽には強いんだI'm not good at sports, but I'm strong in music
- 改善が必要な部分がありますThere are areas that need improvement
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A quiet cafe where two friends are discussing personal growth.
- 陽葵 Himari弱さは、人間らしさでもあるよね。Yowasa wa, ningenrashisa demo aru yo ne.Weakness is also a part of being human, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renそうだね、陽葵さんの言う通りだ。Sou da ne, Himari-san no iu toori da.You're right, Himari, it's just as you say.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さんも、完璧になろうとしなくていいんだよ。Ren-san mo, kanpeki ni narou to shinakute ii n da yo.Ren, you don't have to try to be perfect either.
- 蓮 Ren少し心が軽くなった気がするよ。Sukoshi kokoro ga karuku natta ki ga suru yo.I feel a little lighter at heart now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weakness” translations and entries 弱さ, 弱小, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
