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March 24, 2026
脆弱cuìruò(cui4ruo4)
脆弱 (cui4 ruo4) describes a state of being weak or fragile, often used to refer to physical health, emotional stability, or structural integrity. It's commonly used in contexts such as discussing someone's health, a fragile relationship, or a weak argument.
Strokes20Frequency#3561DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing someone's 脆弱 nature can indicate concern and empathy, reflecting the value placed on interpersonal relationships and emotional support within families and communities.
Memory Tip
Think of 脆 (cui4) as 'crunchy' and 弱 (ruo4) as 'weak.' Imagine a delicate cookie that looks strong but crumbles easily in your hands – this cookie represents something that is 脆弱.
Meanings of 脆弱
cuìruò(cui4ruo4)
1weak
2frail
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 脆弱
脆弱Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3561Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 脆弱
Podcast: 脆弱
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AI Study Notes for 脆弱
Quick Contrast
脆弱 (fragile) vs 弱 (weak) — use 脆弱 to emphasize fragility or delicacy, while 弱 simply denotes lack of strength.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 脆弱 is often used in serious contexts, so it may not be appropriate in light-hearted conversations. Common collocations include '脆弱的身体' (frail body) and '脆弱的关系' (fragile relationship).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 脆弱 connects to themes of emotional vocabulary and physical descriptions. Students should focus on how it contrasts with stronger terms like 强壮 (qiang2 zhuang4, strong) and explore its usage in more complex sentences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 脆弱 with 强壮 (qiang2 zhuang4, strong), using it to describe someone who is capable. A wrong example would be saying '他很脆弱' to mean 'He is strong.' The correct usage would be '他很强壮'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脆弱
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脆弱 (cui4 ruo4) describes a state of being weak or fragile, often used to refer to physical health, emotional stability, or structural integrity. It's commonly used in contexts such as discussing someone's health, a fragile relationship, or a weak argument.
When to use 脆弱
Be cautious with the tone; 脆弱 is often used in serious contexts, so it may not be appropriate in light-hearted conversations. Common collocations include '脆弱的身体' (frail body) and '脆弱的关系' (fragile relationship).
脆弱 or something close to it
脆弱 (fragile) vs 弱 (weak) — use 脆弱 to emphasize fragility or delicacy, while 弱 simply denotes lack of strength.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 脆弱 with 强壮 (qiang2 zhuang4, strong), using it to describe someone who is capable. A wrong example would be saying '他很脆弱' to mean 'He is strong.' The correct usage would be '他很强壮'.
Write 脆弱
脆
弱
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Grammar Patterns of 脆弱
脆弱 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
一旦你改掉神经____的毛病，便可一往无前。
When you've got over your squeamishness, there will be no stopping you.
