Translation guide
The English verb "weaken" can describe making something physically weaker, reducing intensity or effect, or becoming less strong. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
To cause someone or something to lose physical strength, power, or structural integrity.
Transitive verb meaning to weaken something physically or in terms of power. Common and versatile.
Causative form of 弱る (to weaken/decline), meaning to make someone/something weak, often implying exhaustion or decline.
The long illness weakened him.
Causative of 衰える (to decline), meaning to cause to decline or weaken, often used for abstract strength or vitality. More literary.
Aging weakens physical strength.
To make something less intense, severe, or effective, such as an argument, influence, or impact.
Also used for abstract weakening, like reducing influence or intensity.
Means to soften, ease, or mitigate. Often used for pain, tension, or harshness.
Literally 'to dilute', used metaphorically to weaken concentration, impact, or flavor.
To lose strength, power, or intensity on its own.
Intransitive verb meaning to weaken, diminish, or abate. Commonly used for wind, rain, influence, etc.
The wind weakened.
Intransitive verb meaning to weaken, decline, or become exhausted. Often used for living things or physical condition.
To decline, weaken, or deteriorate, often over time. Used for strength, health, or abilities.
To make a physical object or structure less strong or stable.
弱める is transitive (someone weakens something), while 弱まる is intransitive (something weakens on its own). Choose based on whether there is a direct actor.
English 'weaken' is often used for arguments, evidence, or resolve. In Japanese, direct translation with 弱める may sound unnatural. Consider 説得力を欠く (lack persuasiveness) or 効果が薄れる (effect fades) instead.
The evidence weakened his argument.
weaken the effect of the medicine
weaken the pain (make it less severe)
ease the tension
主張を薄める
water down the argument
His influence is weakening.
祖母は最近弱ってきた
My grandmother has weakened recently.
physical strength weakens
My memory has weakened.