Translation guide
Describes materials that break or snap easily under stress, often without bending. Also used figuratively for fragile systems, relationships, or emotional states.
Describing hard objects that crack or shatter easily when struck or bent, like glass, dry twigs, or biscuits.
The most common and general word for 'brittle'. Used for materials that break easily, like glass, ceramics, or dry wood. Also used metaphorically for fragile things.
このガラスはとても脆いので、注意して扱ってください。
This glass is very brittle, so please handle it with care.
乾燥した枝は脆くて、すぐに折れる。
Dry branches are brittle and break easily.
Literally 'easy to break'. A more general term for fragility, not limited to brittleness. Can be used for any delicate object.
この陶器は壊れやすいから、落とさないでね。
This pottery is brittle, so don't drop it.
Specifically 'easy to crack/shatter'. Used for glass, ceramics, and similar materials.
薄い氷は割れやすいから、乗らないで。
Thin ice is brittle, so don't step on it.
Describing things that crumble or break into pieces easily, like cookies, chalk, or old paper.
Also used for crumbly textures, though it's more common for hard materials. Context makes the meaning clear.
このクッキーは脆くて、手で持つと崩れてしまう。
These cookies are so brittle they crumble when you hold them.
Means 'easy to crumble'. Better for describing things that fall apart into pieces, like dry soil or pastry.
このチョークは崩れやすくて、書きにくい。
This chalk is brittle and hard to write with.
Describing something non-physical that can easily fail or break down, like a peace agreement, a plan, or a person's mental state.
Commonly used metaphorically for fragile things like promises, trust, or mental strength.
彼らの友情は意外と脆かった。
Their friendship was surprisingly brittle.
和平合意はまだ脆い状態だ。
The peace agreement is still in a brittle state.
A more formal term meaning 'vulnerable' or 'fragile'. Often used for systems, security, or infrastructure.
このシステムは脆弱で、サイバー攻撃に弱い。
This system is brittle and vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Means 'unstable'. Can be used when 'brittle' implies a lack of stability, like in a brittle economy or mood.
彼の精神状態は不安定で、ちょっとしたことで崩れてしまう。
His mental state is brittle and can crumble over small things.
In materials science, describing a substance that breaks with little plastic deformation.
Technical term for 'brittleness' as a material property. Used in engineering contexts.
この金属は低温で脆性破壊を起こす。
This metal undergoes brittle fracture at low temperatures.
Means 'brittle material' in a technical sense.
ガラスは代表的な脆性材料です。
Glass is a typical brittle material.
脆い implies inherent brittleness—the material itself snaps or crumbles easily. 壊れやすい is broader: anything easily damaged, including complex devices. A smartphone is 壊れやすい but not 脆い.
脆い is not used for things that are flimsy or bendable but don't break, like thin plastic. For that, use 柔らかい (やわらかい) or ペラペラ.