Japanese word

弱気

Pronunciation

Romajiyowaki

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveweak-kneed

Example

人前で話すと弱気になります。hito mae de hana su to yowa ki ni na ri ma su

I get weak-kneed when I speak in front of people.

Illustration for 弱気 (weak-kneed)

More examples

交渉の場では、弱気な態度を見せないでください。kō shō no ba de wa yowa ki na tai do o mi se na i de ku da sa i

Please do not show a timid attitude during negotiations.

Core concept

Describes a loss of confidence that makes someone hesitate to act or speak boldly.

Common phrases

  • 弱気になるyowa ki ni na ru

    become weak-kneed

  • 弱気な態度yowa ki na tai do

    a timid attitude

  • 弱気な発言yowa ki na hatsu gen

    a timid remark

Similar words

弱腰yowagoshi: Taking a soft and unassertive stance under pressure or during negotiations.
消極的shōkyokuteki: Showing little willingness to take action or express an opinion.
内気uchiki: Having difficulty expressing oneself openly because of shyness.

Definition in Japanese

物事に立ち向かう自信を失い、ためらうさま。mono goto ni ta chi mu ka u ji shin o ushina i ta me ra u sa ma

Word origin

弱気 (yowaki) combines 弱 (yowa, "weak") and 気 (ki, "spirit or state of mind"), giving the sense of a weak or discouraged state of mind.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 弱気になる (yowaki ni naru) presents timidity as a change of state, so it often describes becoming hesitant in a particular situation rather than having a fixed personality.

Other meanings

  • timidna-adjective
  • faintheartedna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 弱気さyowakisatimiditynoun

Word lists with this word