Japanese Conversation · Level 35
90 words
Japanese word
弱る
Pronunciation
Romajiyowaru
Meaning
- verbgrow weak
Example
病気が長引くと、体が弱ります。byō ki ga naga bi ku to karada ga yowa ri ma su
When an illness drags on, the body grows weak.
More examples
暑さが続くと、植物が弱ります。atsu sa ga tsuzu ku to shoku butsu ga yowa ri ma su
When the hot weather continues, plants grow weak.
Core concept
Describes a person or thing moving from a stronger state toward reduced physical strength, energy, or effectiveness.
Common phrases
体が弱るkarada ga yowa ru
the body grows weak
足腰が弱るashi koshi ga yowa ru
the legs and lower back grow weak
Similar words
衰えるotoroeru: To gradually lose physical strength, energy, or power.
弱まるyowamaru: To become less strong in force, intensity, or effect.
へたるhetaru: To become tired and lose the strength to keep going.
Definition in Japanese
人や物の力や勢いが次第に失われ、弱い状態になること。hito ya mono no chikara ya ikio i ga shi dai ni ushina wa re yowa i jō tai ni na ru ko to
Word origin
The native verb 弱る (yowaru, "to grow weak") is formed from the adjective 弱い (yowai, "weak") with the verb-forming suffix る (ru), so it denotes becoming weak.
Usage tips
- In casual conversation, 弱った (yowatta) can mean that someone is in trouble, as in ほとほと弱った (hotohoto yowatta), rather than only that the body has lost strength.
Other meanings
- declineverb