Translation guide
Describes someone who lacks courage or is easily frightened. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that convey timidity, cowardice, or a weak spirit.
To describe a person who is generally cowardly or easily scared.
The most common and direct adjective meaning 'cowardly' or 'timid'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
Literally 'weak spirit', used to describe someone who is easily discouraged or lacks nerve. Often used in contexts of giving up easily.
弱気になるな。
Don't be fainthearted.
Means 'timid' or 'small-minded', emphasizing a lack of boldness. Often used in the phrase 小心者 (coward).
彼は小心者だ。
He is a fainthearted person.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'small-hearted', describing someone who is timid or easily intimidated.
彼は気が小さい。
He is fainthearted.
To describe someone who is scared or hesitant in a particular moment.
A noun meaning 'someone who is easily scared' or 'coward'. Often used for people afraid of things like ghosts or heights.
彼女は怖がりだから、ホラー映画は見ない。
She is fainthearted, so she doesn't watch horror movies.
A somewhat derogatory term for a coward, literally 'lacking a spine'. Used when someone fails to act bravely.
A verb meaning 'to get scared' or 'to lose one's nerve' in a situation. Often used when someone backs out due to fear.
To describe someone who is not bold or determined enough to take action.
A noun meaning 'spineless' or 'coward', emphasizing a lack of willpower or determination.
彼は意気地なしだ。
He is fainthearted.
Literally 'lacks guts', meaning someone doesn't have the nerve or courage to do something.
彼は人前で話す度胸がない。
He is too fainthearted to speak in public.
臆病 is a general term for a cowardly disposition, while 怖がり specifically refers to being easily frightened by things. 臆病 can be used for moral cowardice, while 怖がり is more about fear reactions.
The English word 'fainthearted' is often used figuratively. Direct translations like 弱い心 may not be natural. Use the adjectives and phrases above instead.
そんな腰抜けの真似はするな。
Don't act like such a fainthearted person.
彼は困難に怖じ気づいた。
He became fainthearted in the face of difficulty.