弱(よわ)み

よわみ
noun
weakness; weak point; vulnerability
personalityabstract
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(よわ)みを握(にぎ)られた。
They got something on me.
人(ひと)の弱(よわ)みにつけ込(こ)んではいけない。
You shouldn't take advantage of people's weaknesses.
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(よわ)みを握(にぎ)る (to have leverage over someone; to know someone's weakness)
  • 弱(よわ)みにつけ込(こ)む (to exploit a weakness)
  • 弱(よわ)みを見(み)せる (to show weakness)

Forms

From 弱(よわ)い (weak) + み (nominalizing suffix indicating the quality of). Compare 強(つよ)み (strength).

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