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.
彼は意志が弱いから、ダイエットが続かない。
He is weak-willed, so he can't stick to a diet.
意志が弱い人は、誘惑に負けやすい。
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.
彼は優柔不断で、いつも決断に時間がかかる。
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.
気が弱いから、いつも人に流されてしまう。
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.
意志薄弱な人は、目標を達成しにくい。
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.
彼女は流されやすいから、悪い友達に影響されないか心配だ。
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.
彼は主体性がなくて、いつも上司の言いなりだ。
He lacks initiative and always does whatever his boss says.
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.
自分に甘いから、いつも計画倒れになる。
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.
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.
Literally 'lacks self-control'. A more formal and direct way to say someone cannot control their impulses.
自制心がないと、誘惑に勝てない。
If you lack self-control, you can't resist temptation.
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.
意志が弱いから、甘いものを我慢できない。
I'm weak-willed, so I can't resist sweets.
優柔不断で、レストランを決めるのに30分かかった。
Being indecisive, it took me 30 minutes to choose a restaurant.
気が弱いから、文句を言われても言い返せない。
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.
彼はお人好しだから、頼まれると断れない。
He's a soft touch, so he can't say no when asked.