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薄弱 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
薄弱bóruòweakHSK 6, a, 26 strokes, rank #12932, Hard
薄弱bóruòfrailHSK 6, a, 26 strokes, rank #12932, Hard
bóruò(bo2ruo4)bo ruo T2
  1. 1weak
  2. 2frail
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March 24, 2026

薄弱bóruò(bo2ruo4)

The term '薄弱' (bó ruò) describes a state of being weak or frail, often used to characterize physical strength, emotional resilience, or even structural integrity. It can be applied in various contexts, such as describing a person's health, a weak argument, or a fragile relationship.

Strokes26Frequency#12932DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese society, being '薄弱' can have significant implications, especially in discussions about family support and community cohesion. The concept often reflects the value placed on collective strength and support systems in contrast to individual weaknesses.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '薄' (bó) sheet of paper that is so thin that it is '弱' (ruò) and easily torn. Visualize trying to lift this weak piece of paper; its frailty symbolizes the word's meaning, making it easier to remember both the sound and sense of the word.

Meanings of 薄弱

bóruò(bo2ruo4)
1weak
2frail
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 薄弱

薄弱Simplified
26Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#12932Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 薄弱

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Podcast: 薄弱

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AI Study Notes for 薄弱

Quick Contrast

脆弱 (cuìruò) vs 薄弱 (bóruò): Use 脆弱 for fragility or vulnerability, often in emotional or structural contexts, while 薄弱 emphasizes a lack of strength or robustness.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing '薄弱'; incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you pair it with appropriate nouns, such as '实力' (strength) or '关系' (relationship).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, '薄弱' connects with other descriptive adjectives and terms relating to qualities and states. Students should practice using it in sentences with related vocabulary such as '力量' (power) or '情感' (emotion) to deepen understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '薄弱' with '强壮' (qiáng zhuàng), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, '薄弱' specifically refers to weakness, while '强壮' denotes strength.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 薄弱

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Component Characters

薄báothin
HSK 516 strokes艹
View full entry
弱ruòweak
HSK 510 strokes弓
View full entry

How to say weak in Chinese

“weak” in Chinese is薄弱bóruò

The term '薄弱' (bó ruò) describes a state of being weak or frail, often used to characterize physical strength, emotional resilience, or even structural integrity. It can be applied in various contexts, such as describing a person's health, a weak argument, or a fragile relationship.

When to use 薄弱

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing '薄弱'; incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you pair it with appropriate nouns, such as '实力' (strength) or '关系' (relationship).

薄弱 or something close to it

脆弱 (cuìruò) vs 薄弱 (bóruò): Use 脆弱 for fragility or vulnerability, often in emotional or structural contexts, while 薄弱 emphasizes a lack of strength or robustness.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '薄弱' with '强壮' (qiáng zhuàng), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, '薄弱' specifically refers to weakness, while '强壮' denotes strength.

Write 薄弱

薄
弱

Practice writing 薄弱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 薄弱

薄弱 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 5

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

许多人认为承认有压力是意志____的表现。

Many people felt that admitting to stress was a sign of weakness.

Example Sentences for 薄弱 (3)

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1
许多人认为承认有压力是意志薄弱的表现。

xǔ duō rén rèn wéi chéng rèn yǒu yā lì shì yì zhì báo ruò de biǎo xiàn。

Many people felt that admitting to stress was a sign of weakness.
2
胸段的背肌较薄弱.

xiōng duàn de bèi jī jiào báo ruò.

The back muscles of the thoracic region are thinner.
3
只是下级办事员还嫌薄弱.

zhī shì xià jí bàn shì yuán huán xián báo ruò.

The only trouble was that there was a shortage of clerical staff.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 薄弱

'薄弱' can indeed describe a person's physical or emotional state, but it is more commonly used for non-human subjects like arguments or structures.

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