弱: the kanji for weak
弱 is a JLPT N2 kanji that means weak. Below are its readings, 5 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
弱 is written in 10 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
弱 has 5 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 5 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ジャク (jaku)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 弱点じゃくてん · jakuten | weak point |
| 強弱きょうじゃく · kyōjaku | strength and weakness; dynamics |
よわい (yowai)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 弱いよわい · yowai | weak |
| 弱火よわび · yowabi | low heat |
よわる (yowaru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 弱るよわる · yowaru | to grow weak |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 私は朝に弱い。Watashi wa asa ni yowai.I'm not a morning person.
- 弱火でゆっくり煮てください。Yowabi de yukkuri nite kudasai.Please simmer slowly over low heat.
- 自分の弱点を知ることは大切だ。Jibun no jakuten o shiru koto wa taisetsu da.It is important to know your weak points.
- 暑さで体が弱っている。Atsusa de karada ga yowatte iru.The heat has worn me down.
- 音の強弱に気をつけて歌う。Oto no kyōjaku ni ki o tsukete utau.I sing paying attention to loud and soft sounds.
Questions about 弱
How many strokes does 弱 have?
弱 is written in 10 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 弱?
The on readings are jaku (ジャク). The kun readings are yowai (よわい), yowaru (よわる), yowamaru (よわまる), yowameru (よわめる).
What JLPT level is 弱?
N2. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N2 is designed to match the former Level 2.
More JLPT N2 kanji
Qualities and conditions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 弱
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.