Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 弱

Level:N2 Low
Strokes:10
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily conveys the meaning of "weak," "feeble," or "fragile." It represents a lack of strength, resilience, or power. This can apply to physical attributes, mental states, or even abstract concepts.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): ・ジャク (jaku) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ・よわ-い (yowa-i) - weak, feeble

Usage Examples

⚫︎弱い Translation: weak ⚫︎弱点 Translation: weak point; weakness ⚫︎強弱 Translation: strength and weakness; intensity (used to compare or contrast levels)

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a 形声文字 (keisei moji), which means it combines a semantic component (meaning part) with a phonetic component (sound part). The radical, 弓 (yumi, "bow"), suggests something related to bending or yielding. The component, 冫 (ni: water, ice), adds the meaning of weakness. The combination indicates something that is not strong, like a bow that is not taut or something that is easily broken. It historically relates to the state of being feeble or lacking power.

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