Translation guide
How to express a personal weakness, vulnerability, or something one is not good at in Japanese.
Describing something you are not good at or a flaw in your character or ability.
The most direct and common word for 'weak point' or 'weakness'. Used for both personal flaws and strategic vulnerabilities.
A specific vulnerability that can lead to downfall, often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
Casually stating something you are not good at, often among friends.
Attach to a noun to say you are bad at it. Very natural in conversation.
歌が苦手なんだよね。
Singing is my weak point, you know.
Trailing off with 'a little...' to imply weakness without directly saying it. Softens the statement.
弱点 is a general weakness or flaw, while 苦手 implies a personal dislike or lack of skill. Use 苦手 for things you are not good at and 弱点 for more objective vulnerabilities.
弱点：優しすぎる / 苦手：料理
Weak point: too kind / Not good at: cooking
欠点 can sound self-deprecating or formal. In casual conversation, 苦手 is safer for personal weaknesses.
His weak point is that he is too kind.
数学が私の弱点です。
Math is my weak point.
Used for things you are not good at or dislike doing. Very common in casual and polite speech.
人前で話すのが苦手です。
Speaking in public is my weak point.
私は料理が苦手だ。
I'm not good at cooking.
Means 'defect' or 'shortcoming'. More formal and often used for character flaws or product defects.
彼の欠点は短気なことだ。
His weak point is his short temper.
A vulnerability or weakness that can be exploited. Often used in strategic or interpersonal contexts.
彼は弱みを握られている。
He has his weak point held against him.
Literally 'Achilles tendon', used metaphorically just like 'Achilles' heel' in English.
彼のアキレス腱は家族だ。
His Achilles' heel is his family.
Literally 'crying spot', meaning a vulnerable point. Somewhat old-fashioned or literary.
そこが彼の泣き所だ。
That is his weak point.
英語はちょっと…
English is a bit of a weak point...