1.
weak; frail; delicate
physically or emotionally weak; fragile and easily harmed; often implies a sense of needing protection
か弱い子犬を保護した。
I rescued a frail puppy.
か弱い女性を装っていた。
She was pretending to be a fragile woman.
か弱い声で助けを求めた。
She asked for help in a weak voice.
か弱い describes physical or emotional fragility, often evoking a sense of vulnerability or need for protection.
ETYMOLOGY:
The prefix か is an intensifier meaning "somewhat" or "in a manner of," combined with 弱い (weak).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- か弱い女性 (a delicate/fragile woman)
- か弱い体 (a frail body)
- か弱い存在 (a vulnerable being)
- か弱い声 (a weak voice)
NUANCE:
- Has a literary or emotional quality
- Often used to describe women, children, or small animals
- Implies something or someone that evokes protective feelings
- Can be used ironically to describe someone who appears weak but isn't
RELATED TERMS:
- 弱い (weak - basic form)
- 華奢 (delicate, slender)
- か細い (thin, weak)
- 儚い (fleeting, fragile)
REGISTER: Literary to neutral. More formal than simple 弱い.