柔にゅう弱じゃく

also: じゅうじゃく

にゅ

う

じゃ

く

Meanings

Describes a person's character or physical constitution as lacking strength, often with a connotation of being overly gentle or yielding. Can imply a lack of masculine vigor when applied to men.

彼かれは柔にゅう弱じゃくな性せい格かくで、いつも人ひとに流ながされてしまう。
He has a weak personality and always gets swayed by others.
その男おとこは柔にゅう弱じゃくで、力ちから仕し事ごとには向むいていない。
That man is feeble and not suited for physical labor.

See all 3 example sentences ›

Kanji

柔tender, weakness, gentleness
弱weak, frail

Opposites

剛ごう健けん
柔弱 describes someone weak, frail, or effeminate, the direct opposite of the vigorous, robust strength conveyed by 剛健.

Don't confuse with

脆ぜい弱じゃく
柔弱 refers to a weak, effeminate character or disposition, while 脆弱 refers more to structural or physical fragility rather than personality.

Written forms

柔弱Usage100%
- にゅうじゃく
  Standard kanji form; the reading にゅうじゃく is more common than じゅうじゃく.
- じゅうじゃく
  Alternate reading; less common and may be considered non-standard or archaic.
じゅうじゃく

Etymology

The kanji 柔 (soft, gentle) and 弱 (weak) combine to express weakness or lack of strength. The reading にゅうじゃく is the standard on'yomi; じゅうじゃく is a less common variant.