1.
to whine; to grumble; to show weakness
To express complaints or negativity about one's situation, showing a lack of resolve or determination. Often used critically or self-reflectively.
弱音を吐くな。
Don't whine.
彼は疲れて弱音を吐き始めた。
He got tired and started complaining.
どんなに辛くても弱音を吐かずに頑張った。
No matter how hard it was, he persevered without complaining.
USAGE:
Often used in negative constructions (弱音を吐くな, 弱音を吐かない) to encourage perseverance. The expression carries a mildly critical tone, implying that the person should be tougher.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 弱音を吐くな (don't whine)
- 弱音を吐かずに (without complaining)
- 弱音を吐き始める (to start whining)
GRAMMAR:
Conjugates as a godan verb (吐く). The 弱音 part is fixed; 弱音 alone means "weak words" or "feeble complaints."