Translation guide
Describes someone who lacks courage, is timid, or easily discouraged. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that convey weakness of spirit or fearfulness.
To describe a person who is generally cowardly or easily frightened.
A common adjective/noun meaning cowardly or timid. Can describe a person's nature.
彼は臆病だから、一人で夜道を歩けない。
He's faint-hearted, so he can't walk alone at night.
Literally 'spirit is weak'. A common phrase meaning timid or faint-hearted.
気が弱い人は、この仕事に向いていない。
Faint-hearted people aren't suited for this job.
Noun/adjective meaning timid or cowardly. Often used in compound words like 小心者 (coward).
彼は小心者だから、リスクを取れない。
He's faint-hearted, so he can't take risks.
Noun/adjective meaning timid or weak-spirited. Often used in contrast to 強気 (strong-willed).
弱気な態度を見せると、相手につけ込まれる。
If you show a faint-hearted attitude, others will take advantage of you.
To describe someone who gives up easily or is not determined.
Literally 'lacks guts'. Used for someone who is faint-hearted in the sense of lacking perseverance.
彼は根性がないから、すぐに諦める。
He's faint-hearted, so he gives up right away.
Literally 'spirit is small'. Means timid or easily daunted.
気が小さいから、大きな挑戦はできない。
I'm faint-hearted, so I can't take on big challenges.
Noun meaning coward or spineless person. Stronger and more colloquial.
Used in the phrase 'not for the faint-hearted' to describe something challenging or frightening.
Pattern meaning 'not suited for cowards'. A natural way to express 'not for the faint-hearted'.
この仕事は臆病者には向かない。
This job is not for the faint-hearted.
Pattern meaning 'cannot be done by the faint-hearted'.
この冒険は気の弱い人にはできない。
This adventure is not for the faint-hearted.
Direct translations like '心が弱い' (kokoro ga yowai) are not idiomatic. Use the expressions above instead.
意気地なし！そんなことで諦めるのか？
You faint-hearted coward! Are you giving up over something like that?