Japanese word

衰弱

Pronunciation

Romajisuijaku

Meaning

  • nounweakness

Example

病気の後、体が衰弱しました。byō ki no ato karada ga sui jaku shi ma shi ta

My body weakened after the illness.

Illustration for 衰弱 (weakness)

More examples

栄養不足が続くと、体は徐々に衰弱します。ei yō fu soku ga tsuzu ku to karada wa jo jo ni sui jaku shi ma su

If poor nutrition continues, the body gradually weakens.

Core concept

Expresses a state in which the body's strength gradually falls because of illness, exhaustion, or another burden.

Common phrases

  • 衰弱を防ぐsui jaku o fuse gu

    prevent weakness

  • 衰弱から回復するsui jaku ka ra kai fuku su ru

    recover from weakness

  • 衰弱の兆候sui jaku no chō kō

    signs of weakness

Similar words

衰えotoroe: A gradual loss of physical strength, often caused by age, illness, or prolonged strain.
虚弱kyojaku: A condition of being physically weak, often as an enduring trait or result of poor health.

Definition in Japanese

病気や長い疲れなどによって、体の力が失われて弱ること。byō ki ya naga i tsuka re na do ni yo tte karada no chikara ga ushina wa re te yowa ru ko to

Word origin

This Sino-Japanese noun combines 衰 (sui, "decline") with 弱 (jaku, "weak"), giving 衰弱 (suijaku, "weakness") its sense of becoming weak.

Usage tips

  • English speakers also use weakness for a flaw in a person or system, but the physical sense refers specifically to reduced bodily strength.

Opposites

Related words

  • 衰弱するsuijakusuruweakenverb

Word lists with this word