Translation guide
Describing someone who lacks physical strength, mental fortitude, or willpower. Japanese expressions vary by the type of weakness and context.
Specifically refers to a person with a frail or delicate constitution, often used in medical or formal contexts.
彼女は虚弱な人で、よく病気になる。
She is a frail person and often gets sick.
Literally 'powerless person', emphasizing lack of physical power or ability. Less common in everyday speech.
非力な人にはこの仕事は難しい。
This job is difficult for a physically weak person.
Someone who lacks mental resilience, is easily discouraged, or emotionally fragile.
Same as physical weakness, but context makes it clear it's about mental or emotional weakness. Very common.
彼はプレッシャーに弱い人だ。
He is a person who is weak under pressure.
Specifically means a person who is timid, faint-hearted, or lacks nerve. Very natural expression.
気が弱い人だから、断れないんだ。
Because he's a weak-willed person, he can't say no.
Literally 'person with weak will', used for someone lacking determination or self-discipline.
意志が弱い人はダイエットに失敗しやすい。
People with weak willpower tend to fail at dieting.
Describes someone who is vulnerable to criticism or setbacks, easily discouraged. Common in modern usage.
彼は打たれ弱い人だから、厳しいことは言わないほうがいい。
He's a person who can't take criticism, so it's better not to say harsh things.
Refers to a person who is timid, pessimistic, or lacking in confidence. Slightly more formal/literary.
弱気な人はリーダーには向かない。
A timid person is not suited to be a leader.
Someone who is morally weak, easily swayed, or lacks integrity.
Emphasizes human weakness in character or morality. Often used in self-reflection or criticism.
自分は弱い人間だとつくづく思う。
I really think I'm a weak person.
Describes a person who is easily influenced or swept along by others or circumstances.
彼は流されやすい人だから、悪い友達に注意したほうがいい。
He's easily influenced, so he should be careful of bad friends.
Formal term for a person with weak will or lack of self-control. Often used in psychological or critical contexts.
意志薄弱な人は誘惑に負けやすい。
A weak-willed person easily succumbs to temptation.
Someone who is disadvantaged, vulnerable, or lacking power in society.
Refers to a person in a weak or vulnerable position, socially or economically. Common in discussions of social issues.
弱い立場の人を守る法律が必要だ。
We need laws to protect people in weak positions.
A general term for 'the weak' or 'vulnerable people' in society. Often used in contrast to 強者 (the strong).
弱者に優しい社会を目指す。
We aim for a society that is kind to the weak.
Direct translations like '弱い者' (よわいもの) can sound archaic or literary. In modern Japanese, use 弱い人 or more specific phrases depending on context.
弱い人 is neutral and can refer to any weak person. 弱い人間 emphasizes human nature or character flaws, often used in a philosophical or self-critical sense.
Specifically 'socially vulnerable people', used in policy or academic contexts.
社会的弱者への支援を拡充すべきだ。
Support for the socially vulnerable should be expanded.