Chinese word

弱

Pronunciation

Pinyinruò

Meaning

  • adjectiveweak

Example

他身体很弱。tā shēn tǐ hěn ruò

He is physically very weak.

Illustration for 弱 (weak)

More examples

训练后他的体力还是有点弱。xùn liàn hòu tā de tǐ lì hái shì yóu diǎn ruò

After training, his physical strength is still slightly weak.

Core concept

A low level of strength that makes a body, ability, or influence less able to endure or prevail.

Common phrases

  • 很弱hěn ruò

    very weak

  • 有点弱yóu diǎn ruò

    slightly weak

Similar words

虚弱xū ruò: Physically weak and unable to maintain strength or activity for long.
无力wú lì: Unable to produce much force, so movements or responses lack power.
软弱ruǎn ruò: Lacking firmness in character or attitude, making clear positions or decisions difficult.

Definition in Chinese

表示能力或抵抗力不足、势头不强的形容词，可用于描述体力、技能或影响力较弱的情况。biǎo shì néng lì huò dǐ kàng lì bù zú shì tou bù qiáng de xíng róng cí kě yòng yú miáo shù tǐ lì jì néng huò yíng xiǎng lì jiào ruò de qíng kuàng

Word origin

The character 弱 (ruò, "weak") is traditionally associated with bending rather than standing firm, an image that later extended to limited bodily strength, skill, and force.

Usage tips

  • Chinese can place this adjective directly after the subject without a separate verb, unlike English descriptions that require "is," which makes the pattern useful in short everyday statements.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word