1.
fragile, brittle, easily broken
Physically weak and easily damaged or destroyed.
この材料は脆くて壊れやすい。
This material is brittle and breaks easily.
脆い守備を突かれた。
Their weak defense was exploited.
Sports context
2.
weak, vulnerable, easily moved
Emotionally or mentally easily affected. Often used for someone who cries easily or is easily swayed.
彼は涙に脆い。
He is easily moved to tears.
Common expression
FORMS:
- Adverb: 脆く (fragilely)
- Noun: 脆さ (fragility, brittleness)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 涙に脆い (easily moved to tears)
- 脆くも崩れる (collapse easily)
- 精神的に脆い (mentally fragile)
CONTRAST:
- 壊れやすい is more neutral; 脆い often implies inherent weakness
- 弱い is more general; 脆い suggests brittleness specifically
Related Words
Related:
弱い