軟弱(なんじゃく)

なんじゃく
na-adjective, noun
weak; soft; feeble; spineless
descriptive
1. weak; soft; not firm
Physically weak or lacking structural strength, especially of ground or foundations.
軟弱(なんじゃく)な地盤(じばん)に建物(たてもの)を建(た)てる。
To build on soft ground.
この土地(とち)は地盤(じばん)が軟弱(なんじゃく)なので、補強(ほきょう)工事(こうじ)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
The ground here is soft, so reinforcement work is needed.
軟弱(なんじゃく)地盤(じばん)の上(うえ)に建(た)てられたビルは地震(じしん)の際(さい)に倒壊(とうかい)する危険(きけん)がある。
Buildings constructed on soft ground are at risk of collapsing during earthquakes.
2. spineless; weak-willed; feeble
Lacking mental strength, resolve, or backbone. Used critically of people or attitudes.
軟弱(なんじゃく)な態度(たいど)を取(と)るな。
Don't take such a spineless attitude.
政府(せいふ)の軟弱(なんじゃく)な外交(がいこう)姿勢(しせい)が批判(ひはん)された。
The government's weak diplomatic stance was criticized.
あいつは見(み)かけによらず軟弱(なんじゃく)で、すぐ弱音(よわね)を吐(は)く。
Despite his appearance, he's spineless and is quick to complain.

Compound of 軟(なん) (soft) + 弱(じゃく) (weak). Functions as a na-adjective: 軟弱(なんじゃく)な.

Common collocations

Usage

In the physical sense (sense 1), 軟弱(なんじゃく) is a neutral technical term used in construction and geology. In the figurative sense (sense 2), it is always critical, implying the person or policy lacks the strength needed for the situation.

Related Words

Compare: 柔弱(じゅうじゃく) (weak)
general
Added 2026.2.28 21:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14000/14358_nanjaku