弱 (ruò) - Weak & feeble

弱Tone 4

ruò ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

儒三

弱 · ruò

Weak;

feeble;

inferior;

young;

to weaken;

used to describe lack of strength, power, or ability.

Weakfeebleinferior

Usage highlights

Weak and smallWeaknessWeak countryWeak currentWeak acidVulnerable group

Synonyms

  • 微— tiny; minute; slight
  • 虚— weak; feeble; deficient
  • 柔— soft; gentle; yielding

Antonyms

  • 强— strong; powerful
  • 壮— strong; robust
  • 健— healthy; strong

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He has a weak constitution (体质弱).
  • The signal is very weak (信号很弱).
  • She speaks in a soft, weak voice (声音微弱).
  • This team is considered the weaker side (弱队).

Collocations

  • Weak and small(弱小)
  • Weakness(弱点)
  • Weak country(弱国)
  • Weak current(弱电流)
  • Weak acid(弱酸)
  • Vulnerable group(弱势群体)

Idioms

  • The weak are prey to the strong(弱肉强食)
  • Not in the least inferior(毫不示弱)
  • To bully the weak and fear the strong(欺弱怕强)
  • Weak as a kitten(弱不禁风)
  • To strengthen the weak links(扶弱抑强)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese philosophy, weakness is not always negative; Daoism values softness and weakness as superior to hardness and strength in some contexts.
  • The concept of 'weakness' is often contrasted with 'strong' (强) in both personal character and national power contexts.
  • In modern contexts, '弱' is used in discussions about social justice regarding vulnerable populations (弱势群体).

FAQ