Translation guide
The English word "weakening" can refer to a decline in physical strength, a reduction in intensity or power, or the softening of a stance or position. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these different nuances.
To describe a person or body becoming physically weaker over time.
General term for physical weakening or debilitation, often due to illness or age.
病気で衰弱している。
He is weakened by illness.
Common expression meaning 'physical strength declines'. Natural in everyday conversation.
年を取ると体力が落ちる。
As you get older, your physical strength declines.
Often used for weakening of organizations or systems, but can apply to physical weakening in formal contexts.
長期間の入院で体が弱体化した。
His body weakened due to a long hospitalization.
To describe something like wind, sound, influence, or economic power becoming less strong.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to weaken' or 'to abate'. Used for wind, rain, sound, etc.
風が弱まった。
The wind weakened.
Transitive verb meaning 'to weaken' something. Used when someone or something causes the weakening.
Noun/suru-verb meaning 'decline' or 'drop'. Common for describing weakening of function, ability, or economic indicators.
Formal term for decline or weakening, often used for appetite, desire, or vitality.
To describe someone becoming less strict, determined, or firm in their opinion or attitude.
Literally 'attitude softens'. Used when someone's strict stance becomes more flexible.
政府の態度が軟化した。
The government's stance weakened.
Means 'to become timid' or 'lose confidence'. Implies a weakening of resolve.
彼は交渉で弱気になった。
He weakened in the negotiations.
Often used for easing of regulations, tensions, or conditions. Implies a deliberate weakening of strictness.
To describe a currency losing value or an economy becoming less robust.
弱まる (intransitive) describes something weakening on its own. 弱める (transitive) means someone or something actively weakens something else. Compare: 風が弱まった (The wind weakened) vs. 音量を弱めた (I lowered the volume).
English often uses 'weakening' as a noun, but Japanese prefers verb phrases or specific nouns. For example, 'the weakening of the economy' is more naturally 経済の減速 (economic slowdown) or 景気の後退 rather than a direct translation.
音量を弱めてください。
Please lower the volume.
My concentration is weakening.
食欲が減退した。
My appetite weakened.
Regulations were weakened.
市場は弱含みだ。
The market is showing signs of weakening.