Translation guide
A weakness or vulnerable point, despite overall strength. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases that convey vulnerability, weak points, or fatal flaws.
Expressing a person's, system's, or thing's most vulnerable spot or fatal flaw.
The most direct and common translation for 'weak point' or 'vulnerability'. Used in both literal and figurative contexts.
His Achilles' heel is that he's too kind.
Literally 'crying spot', meaning a vulnerable point or weak spot. Often used in physical or metaphorical contexts.
Literally 'vital point', often used in martial arts or to describe a critical weak spot. Can be used metaphorically.
The Achilles' heel of this plan is the lack of funds.
Literally 'Achilles tendon', but used metaphorically just like in English. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
His Achilles' heel is his pride.
That's his Achilles' heel.
彼の急所を突いた質問だった。
It was a question that hit his Achilles' heel.