Translation guide
Describing someone who lacks physical strength, mental fortitude, or willpower. Japanese expressions vary by the type of weakness and context.
He is a physically weak person.
Specifically refers to a person with a frail or delicate constitution, often used in medical or formal contexts.
She is a frail person and often gets sick.
Literally 'powerless person', emphasizing lack of physical power or ability. Less common in everyday speech.
This job is difficult for a physically weak person.
Someone who lacks mental resilience, is easily discouraged, or emotionally fragile.
Same as physical weakness, but context makes it clear it's about mental or emotional weakness. Very common.
He is a person who is weak under pressure.
Specifically means a person who is timid, faint-hearted, or lacks nerve. Very natural expression.
Literally 'person with weak will', used for someone lacking determination or self-discipline.
Describes someone who is vulnerable to criticism or setbacks, easily discouraged. Common in modern usage.
Refers to a person who is timid, pessimistic, or lacking in confidence. Slightly more formal/literary.
A timid person is not suited to be a leader.
Someone who is morally weak, easily swayed, or lacks integrity.
Emphasizes human weakness in character or morality. Often used in self-reflection or criticism.
I really think I'm a weak person.
Describes a person who is easily influenced or swept along by others or circumstances.
Formal term for a person with weak will or lack of self-control. Often used in psychological or critical contexts.
Someone who is disadvantaged, vulnerable, or lacking power in society.
Refers to a person in a weak or vulnerable position, socially or economically. Common in discussions of social issues.
We need laws to protect people in weak positions.
A general term for 'the weak' or 'vulnerable people' in society. Often used in contrast to 強者 (the strong).
Direct translations like '弱い者' (よわいもの) can sound archaic or literary. In modern Japanese, use 弱い人 or more specific phrases depending on context.
弱い人 is neutral and can refer to any weak person. 弱い人間 emphasizes human nature or character flaws, often used in a philosophical or self-critical sense.
Because he's a weak-willed person, he can't say no.
People with weak willpower tend to fail at dieting.
He's a person who can't take criticism, so it's better not to say harsh things.
He's easily influenced, so he should be careful of bad friends.
A weak-willed person easily succumbs to temptation.
We aim for a society that is kind to the weak.
Specifically 'socially vulnerable people', used in policy or academic contexts.
Support for the socially vulnerable should be expanded.