Translation and Meaning of: 弱 - jyaku

The Japanese word 弱[じゃく] is a term that carries deep meanings and varied uses in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding this word can open doors to a better comprehension of Japanese culture and mindset. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 弱[じゃく] is used, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find detailed explanations about terms like 弱[じゃく], but here we go beyond simple translation. Let's dive into how this word is perceived by the Japanese, its frequency in daily life, and even its relationship with cultural values. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or to satisfy your curiosity, this guide will help you master this concept.

Meaning and use of 弱[じゃく]

弱[じゃく] is often translated as "weakness" or "debilitation," but its meaning goes beyond that. In the Japanese context, it can describe anything from a physical condition to an emotional vulnerability. For example, in discussions about health, someone might say 体が弱い (karada ga yowai) to indicate that they have a fragile body.

The interesting thing is that 弱[じゃく] does not carry only a negative connotation. In certain contexts, it can express humility or recognition of limitations, something valued in Japanese culture. When used in expressions like 弱音を吐く (yowane o haku), which means "to complain" or "to express weakness," there is a more personal and introspective tone.

Origin and writing of the kanji 弱

The kanji 弱 is composed of elements that reinforce its meaning. It is formed by the repetition of the radical 弓 (yumi, "bow"), which symbolizes flexibility, and 冫 (hyou, "ice"), suggesting fragility. This combination visually represents the idea of something that can bend or break easily, reinforcing the concept of weakness.

It is worth noting that 弱 has different readings besides じゃく (jaku), such as よわい (yowai) when used as an adjective. This variation is common in many kanjis and is essential for those who want to master the language. In Japan, children learn early on to distinguish these readings, which shows how the word is rooted in everyday life.

Tips for memorizing 弱[じゃく]

An effective way to remember 弱[じゃく] is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of an athlete who gets injured and needs to admit that they are 弱い (yowai) – this image can help fix the term in your memory. Another strategy is to create flashcards with sentences like 彼は弱い (kare wa yowai, "he is weak") to practice its use in context.

Interestingly, the kanji 弱 appears in useful compound words, such as 弱点 (jakuten, "weak point") and 弱気 (yowaki, "lack of confidence"). Learning these related terms can expand your vocabulary while reinforcing the original meaning. For those who enjoy animes or dramas, paying attention when characters use this word is also a great way to learn.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 弱い (Yowai) - Weak, feeble
• 脆い (Mizore) - Fragile, brittle
• 弱々しい (Yowayowashii) - Weak, frail, often used in a more emotional way to describe vulnerability
• 虚弱な (Kyojaku na) - Extremely weak, with connotation of chronic fragility or poor health.
• 軟弱な (Nanjaku na) - Weak, soft, often refers to a lack of firmness or strong character.

弱

Romaji: jyaku
Kana: じゃく
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: weakness; the weak; little less then

Meaning in English: weakness;the weak;little less then

Definition: lack of power.

Example Sentences - (弱) jyaku

See below some example sentences:

錆びた鉄は弱くなる。

Sabita tetsu wa yowaku naru

The rusty iron is weak.

The rusty iron becomes weak.

• 錆びた - oxidized, rusty
• 鉄 - iron, metal
• は - Topic particle
• 弱く - weak, weaken
• なる - become

欲望は人間の弱さだ。

Yokubou wa ningen no yowasa da

Desire is the weakness of the human being.

Desire is human weakness.

• 欲望 (yokubou) - desire, ambition
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 弱さ (yowasa) - weakness
• だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present

弱肉強食

jakuniku kyoushoku

The strong devour the weak or "the law of the jungle."

Weak and meat -like food

• 弱肉 - weak meat
• 強食 - to eat heartily

この場所は電波が弱いです。

Kono basho wa denpa ga yowai desu

This place has a weak signal.

This place has weak radio waves.

• この場所 - this place - this place
• は - wa - Topic particle
• 電波 - denpa - radio signal
• が - ga - subject particle
• 弱い - yowai - weak
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present

弱ることは人間らしいことだ。

Yowaru koto wa ningen rashii koto da

It is human to weaken.

Waking is human.

• 弱ること - weaken, lose strength or vigor
• は - topic or subject marker particle
• 人間 - Human being
• らしい - similar to, typical of
• こと - thing, fact, event
• だ - Verb to be/estar in the present

弱まることは勝ち目がないと思わないでください。

Yowamaru koto wa kachime ga nai to omowanai de kudasai

Don't think there's no chance of winning when you weaken.

Don't think that nerfing isn't a win.

• 弱まる - weaken
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 勝ち目 - chance of winning
• が - subject particle
• ない - negation
• と - Quote particle
• 思わないでください - please, don't think

彼は弱いです。

Kare wa yowai desu

He is weak.

He is weak.

• 彼 - personal pronoun "he"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 弱い - adjective "weak"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

彼女は自分の声を弱めた。

Kanojo wa jibun no koe o yowameta

She lowered her voice.

She weakened her voice.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 声 (koe) - voice
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 弱めた (yowameta) - weakened

私の弱点は怠惰です。

Watashi no jakuten wa taida desu

My weakness is laziness.

My weakness is lazy.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 弱点 - noun that means "weak point" or "weakness"
• は - particle indicating the theme or subject of the sentence
• 怠惰 - noun that means "sloth" or "idleness"
• です - verb to be in the present, which indicates an assertion or description