Japanese word

貧弱

Pronunciation

Romajihinjaku

Meaning

  • na-adjectivemeager

Example

その地域の資源は貧弱です。so no chi iki no shi gen wa hin jaku de su

The region's resources are meager.

Illustration for 貧弱 (meager)

More examples

この地域の医療設備は貧弱です。ko no chi iki no i ryō setsu bi wa hin jaku de su

The medical facilities in this area are meager.

Core concept

Describes something whose amount, quality, or strength falls noticeably below what is needed.

Common phrases

  • 貧弱な設備hin jaku na setsu bi

    meager equipment

  • 貧弱な資源hin jaku na shi gen

    meager resources

Similar words

貧相hinsō: Describes something that looks poor, plain, or lacking in substance.
お粗末osomatsu: Describes something made or done with poor quality or care.
希薄kihaku: Describes something present in a small amount or lacking strength or intensity.

Definition in Japanese

量や質、力などが乏しく、十分でないさま。ryō ya shitsu chikara na do ga tobo shi ku jū bun de na i sa ma

Word origin

The adjective 貧弱 (hinjaku) combines 貧 (hin, "poor") and 弱 (jaku, "weak"), joining the ideas of lack and weakness.

Usage tips

  • Japanese uses 貧弱な根拠 (hinjaku na konkyo) for an argument with little supporting substance, so the adjective applies to weak content as well as physical things.

Other meanings

  • poorna-adjective
  • feeblena-adjective
  • shabbyna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 貧弱さhinjakusameagernessnoun

Word lists with this word