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.
His steps were feeble.
He called for help in a feeble voice.
An adjective meaning 'frail', 'delicate', or 'feeble', often used for someone who evokes sympathy or protectiveness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Describing an action, resistance, or effort that is weak and ineffective.
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.
That counterargument is feeble.
彼の提案は貧弱な内容だった。
His proposal was feeble in content.
The signal is feeble.
Also used for actions that appear weak.
It was a feeble resistance.