Japanese word

薄弱

Pronunciation

Romajihakujaku

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveweak

Example

その主張は根拠が薄弱です。so no shu chō wa kon kyo ga haku jaku de su

The claim has weak grounds.

Illustration for 薄弱 (weak)

More examples

彼は困難に立ち向かう意志が薄弱です。kare wa kon nan ni ta chi mu ka u i shi ga haku jaku de su

His will to face difficulties is weak.

Core concept

Presents a basis, quality, or force as lacking enough substance to be convincing or effective.

Common phrases

  • 意志薄弱i shi haku jaku

    weak-willed

  • 根拠が薄弱kon kyo ga haku jaku

    weak grounds

  • 論拠が薄弱ron kyo ga haku jaku

    weak reasoning

  • 証拠が薄弱shō ko ga haku jaku

    weak evidence

Similar words

脆弱zeijaku: Lacking strength and therefore vulnerable to attack or failure.
貧弱hinjaku: Having too little substance or quality to meet a required standard.

Definition in Japanese

根拠や内容に厚みがなく、主張などを支える力が弱いさま。kon kyo ya nai yō ni atsu mi ga na ku shu chō na do o sasa e ru chikara ga yowa i sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 薄弱 (hakujaku, "weak") is formed from 薄 (haku, "thin") and 弱 (jaku, "weak"), linking thinness with a lack of strength.

Usage tips

  • 薄弱 (hakujaku) is mainly used for abstract things such as evidence, reasons, or arguments rather than for a person's physical strength.

Other meanings

  • weaknessnoun

Opposites

  • 強固kyōkostrongna-adjective

Related words

  • 薄弱性hakujakuseiweaknessnoun
  • 薄弱さhakujakusaweaknessnoun

Word lists with this word