1.
weakness; weak point; vulnerability
A point of weakness or vulnerability, either in a person's character, position, or abilities. Often used in contexts involving leverage or exploitation.
弱みを握られた。
They got something on me.
人の弱みにつけ込んではいけない。
You shouldn't take advantage of people's weaknesses.
彼は自分の弱みを見せたくないタイプだ。
He's the type who doesn't want to show his weaknesses.
USAGE:
Often appears in set phrases involving vulnerability and power dynamics.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 弱みを握る (to have leverage over someone; to know someone's weakness)
- 弱みにつけ込む (to exploit a weakness)
- 弱みを見せる (to show weakness)
WORD FORMATION:
From 弱い (weak) + み (nominalizing suffix indicating the quality of). Compare 強み (strength).