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.
彼の弱点は優しすぎることだ。
His Achilles' heel is that he's too kind.
この計画の弱点は資金不足だ。
The Achilles' heel of this plan is the lack of funds.
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.
Literally 'Achilles tendon', but used metaphorically just like in English. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼のアキレス腱はプライドの高さだ。
His Achilles' heel is his pride.
そこが彼の泣き所だ。
That's his Achilles' heel.
It was a question that hit his Achilles' heel.