Translation guide
Describes a physical sensation of weakness or unsteadiness in the knees, often from fear, exhaustion, or strong emotion. Can also refer to a lack of resolve or courage.
Express that one's knees feel weak or shaky due to a strong emotional or physical reaction.
Literally 'knees are laughing', a common and vivid expression for when knees tremble or buckle from exhaustion or fear.
After climbing the mountain, my knees were so weak I couldn't stand.
Onomatopoeic phrase describing knees shaking or wobbling, often from fear or fatigue.
I was so scared my knees were shaking.
Literally 'one's hips come out', meaning to be so frightened or shocked that one's legs give way. Often implies being unable to stand.
I was so startled by the sudden loud noise that my legs gave out.
Means 'legs tremble', a straightforward way to describe weak knees from fear or cold.
My legs were trembling from nerves.
Describe a person who is timid, easily frightened, or lacks determination.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'timid', 'faint-hearted', or 'weak-willed'. Often used for someone who easily backs down.
He showed a weak-kneed attitude.
An i-adjective phrase meaning 'timid' or 'faint-hearted', describing a person's nature.
A noun meaning 'coward' or 'spineless person'. Stronger and more derogatory than 弱気.
Literally 'missing hips', a derogatory term for a coward. Very direct and insulting.
Strongly derogatory; avoid in polite conversation.
For physical knee weakness, use phrases like 膝が笑う or 膝ががくがくする. For a lack of courage, use 弱気 or 気が弱い. Avoid directly translating 'weak-kneed' as 膝が弱い, which sounds unnatural.
彼女は気が弱くて、いつも人に流される。
She's weak-kneed and always gets swayed by others.
そんなことで諦めるなんて、意気地なしだ。
Giving up over something like that? You're spineless.
That guy is a coward.