1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “弱” (pronounced “yowai” in Japanese) means “weak” or “fragile.” It is often used to describe something that lacks strength, power, or resilience.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “弱” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “grass” (艹) at the top, which often relates to nature, with the phonetic component “jak” (弱) at the bottom, suggesting a sense of weakness or fragility.
Radical: The radical for “弱” is 艹 (grass), indicating a connection to natural elements.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “弱” are:
- 弱者 (じゃくしゃ, jakusha) – “weak person” or “vulnerable individual”
- 弱点 (じゃくてん, jakuten) – “weak point” or “weakness”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は体が弱いです。 (かれはからだがよわいです。) – “He is physically weak.”
- この植物は弱いので、注意が必要です。 (このしょくぶつはよわいので、ちゅういがひつようです。) – “This plant is weak, so it needs careful attention.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “脆” (ぜい, zei), which also means “fragile” but often refers to something that can break easily, like glass.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite of “弱” is “強” (きょう, kyō), which means “strong” or “powerful.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the concept of “weakness” is often associated with humility and the acceptance of one’s limitations. It is seen as a part of the human experience.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “弱肉強食” (じゃくにくきょうしょく, jakuniku kyōshoku), which translates to “the weak are meat, the strong eat.” This phrase reflects the idea of survival of the fittest in nature.