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.
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.
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.
山を登り終えたら、膝が笑って立っていられなかった。
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.
怖くて膝ががくがくした。
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.
突然の大きな音に腰が抜けてしまった。
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.
緊張で足が震えた。
My legs were trembling from nerves.
彼は弱気な態度を見せた。
He showed a weak-kneed attitude.
An i-adjective phrase meaning 'timid' or 'faint-hearted', describing a person's nature.
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.
A noun meaning 'coward' or 'spineless person'. Stronger and more derogatory than 弱気.
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.