弱 ruò — weak, feeble
ruò (fourth tone, falling)ruo4
weak, feeble
HSK 4· HSK 1–4 (classic)adjective
Meanings
weak, feeble
Lacking strength — of a body, a team, a signal, an argument. It is the character that shows up compounded in 减弱, to weaken, and unlike 累 (tired, temporary) it can describe a lasting condition.
adjective
Example sentences
- 他身体很弱，经常生病。他身體很弱，經常生病。Tā (first tone, high and level) shēntǐ (first tone, high and level) hěn (third tone, dipping) ruò, (fourth tone, falling) jīngcháng (first tone, high and level) shēngbìng. (first tone, high and level)···
His health is weak — he’s often ill.
- 奶奶身体不好，一直很弱。奶奶身體不好，一直很弱。Nǎinai (third tone, dipping) shēntǐ (first tone, high and level) bù (fourth tone, falling) hǎo, (third tone, dipping) yìzhí (fourth tone, falling) hěn (third tone, dipping) ruò. (fourth tone, falling)···
Grandma’s health is poor — she’s always been frail.
Common mistakes
Not quite我今天工作很多，很弱。
Correct我今天工作很多，很累。
弱 describes a lasting lack of strength — physical constitution, ability, signal; a passing tiredness after work is 累. Reaching for 弱 to say "I’m worn out" describes yourself as frail rather than fatigued.