Translation guide
Describes a person who lacks determination, easily gives in to others, or cannot stick to decisions. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that focus on willpower, indecisiveness, or being easily influenced.
To describe someone who cannot stick to their own decisions or lacks the inner strength to follow through.
The most direct and common way to say 'weak-willed'. Literally 'will is weak'. Used for people who easily give up or cannot resist temptation.
He is weak-willed, so he can't stick to a diet.
Weak-willed people easily give in to temptation.
Means 'indecisive' or 'wishy-washy'. Focuses on inability to make decisions, often due to lack of confidence or willpower. A な-adjective.
He is weak-willed and always takes time to make decisions.
Literally 'spirit is weak'. Implies being timid, easily intimidated, or lacking assertiveness. Often used for people who cannot stand up for themselves.
Because I'm weak-willed, I always get swayed by others.
A formal, somewhat literary term for 'weak-willed'. Often used in psychological or educational contexts. A な-adjective or noun.
Weak-willed people have difficulty achieving their goals.
To describe someone who cannot resist pressure from others and changes their mind or actions accordingly.
Means 'easily swept along' by others' opinions or circumstances. A very natural way to describe a weak-willed person who lacks firmness.
She is easily influenced, so I worry she might be led astray by bad friends.
Literally 'lacks autonomy/initiative'. Describes someone who doesn't act on their own will but follows others. Often used in workplace or educational settings.
Means 'soft-hearted' or 'pushover'. Implies being too kind and unable to refuse requests, often leading to being taken advantage of. Not exactly 'weak-willed' but overlaps in context.
To describe someone who cannot control their impulses or stick to a plan, often in the context of habits or desires.
Literally 'soft on oneself'. Means lacking self-discipline, indulging oneself, or not being strict enough with one's own behavior. Very common in daily conversation.
Because I'm weak-willed, my plans always fall through.
Means 'slovenly', 'undisciplined', or 'lacking self-control'. Can refer to weak-willed behavior regarding habits, appearance, or lifestyle.
Literally 'lacks self-control'. A more formal and direct way to say someone cannot control their impulses.
意志が弱い is the most general 'weak-willed', focusing on lack of willpower. 優柔不断 emphasizes indecisiveness and inability to choose. 気が弱い highlights timidity and being easily intimidated. Choose based on the nuance you need.
I'm weak-willed, so I can't resist sweets.
Being indecisive, it took me 30 minutes to choose a restaurant.
Because I'm timid, I can't talk back even when complained to.
Direct translations like '弱い意志' (weak will) are not natural as a description of a person. Use the phrases provided, such as 意志が弱い, to describe someone's character.
He lacks initiative and always does whatever his boss says.
He's a soft touch, so he can't say no when asked.
彼はだらしないから、いつも部屋が散らかっている。
He is undisciplined, so his room is always messy.
If you lack self-control, you can't resist temptation.