Translation guide
The English word "feeble" describes something weak, lacking strength, or ineffective. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for physical weakness, weak arguments, faint light or sound, and other nuances.
Describing a person, body part, or physical action that lacks strength or energy, often due to age, illness, or frailty.
An adjective meaning 'weak-looking', 'frail', or 'feeble'. It emphasizes the appearance or impression of weakness.
彼の足取りは弱々しかった。
His steps were feeble.
弱々しい声で助けを求めた。
He called for help in a feeble voice.
An adjective meaning 'frail', 'delicate', or 'feeble', often used for someone who evokes sympathy or protectiveness.
か弱い老人が道に倒れていた。
A feeble old man was lying on the road.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'weak', 'puny', or 'feeble', often implying a lack of physical robustness.
ひ弱な体つきの少年だった。
He was a boy with a feeble build.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'weak constitution' or 'feeble', often used in medical or formal contexts.
彼は虚弱体質だ。
He has a feeble constitution.
Describing an argument, excuse, or effort that is not strong, convincing, or effective.
A phrase meaning 'unconvincing' or 'lacking persuasiveness'. It directly conveys that something is feeble in terms of argument.
彼の言い訳は説得力のないものだった。
His excuse was a feeble one.
The basic adjective for 'weak'. It can be used for arguments, but is less specific than 説得力のない.
その反論は弱い。
That counterargument is feeble.
A na-adjective meaning 'poor', 'meager', or 'feeble', often used for content or substance that is lacking.
Describing light, sound, or a signal that is weak, faint, or barely perceptible.
A na-adjective meaning 'faint', 'dim', or 'feeble'. It is the most common word for barely perceptible sensory input.
かすかな光が部屋に差し込んでいた。
A feeble light was coming into the room.
かすかな音が聞こえた。
I heard a feeble sound.
Can be used for weak light or sound, but is more general.
電波が弱い。
The signal is feeble.
Describing an action, resistance, or effort that is weak and ineffective.
An adjective meaning 'powerless', 'lacking strength', or 'feeble'. It often describes actions that seem weak or half-hearted.
彼は力なくうなずいた。
He gave a feeble nod.
弱々しい (yowayowashii) focuses on the appearance of weakness, often in movements or voice. か弱い (kayowai) implies a delicate, pitiable frailty, often used for people needing protection. ひ弱 (hiyowa) suggests a lack of physical robustness, sometimes with a negative connotation of being puny.
While 弱い (yowai) means 'weak', it is too broad for many uses of 'feeble'. For faint light/sound, use かすかな; for unconvincing arguments, use 説得力のない; for frail appearance, use 弱々しい. Using 弱い alone can sound unnatural or ambiguous.
彼の提案は貧弱な内容だった。
His proposal was feeble in content.
Also used for actions that appear weak.
弱々しい抵抗だった。
It was a feeble resistance.