Meaning

Primary

Weak

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. What's the adjective form of weak? It's also weak.

Reading

よわい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You just got beaten up because you're weak. Then the bully asks you: "Yo! Why (よわ) you so weak?"

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • アルコールに弱い

    sensitive to alcohol

    水に弱い

    sensitive to water

    ストレスに弱い

    sensitive to stress

Context Sentences

父は体が弱いんです。

My father is physically weak.

手と足の力が弱くても、バドミントン上手になれますよ。

Even if the strength of your hands and feet are weak, you can get good at badminton.

弱い火の光でも、辺りが少し明るくなりました。

Even with a small light of fire, it has become a little brighter around.

Kanji Composition