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削弱 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
削弱xuēruòto weakenHSK 7, v, 19 strokes, rank #13060, Very Hard
削弱xuēruòto impairHSK 7, v, 19 strokes, rank #13060, Very Hard
削弱xuēruòto crippleHSK 7, v, 19 strokes, rank #13060, Very Hard
xuēruò(xue1ruo4)xue ruo T1
  1. 1to weaken
  2. 2to impair
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March 24, 2026

削弱xuēruò(xue1ruo4)

The verb 削弱 (xué ruò) means to weaken or diminish the strength or effectiveness of something. It is often used in contexts such as discussions about policies, arguments, or physical capabilities, indicating a reduction in power or influence.

Strokes19Frequency#13060DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese discourse, 削弱 is often used in political contexts to discuss the weakening of authority or policies, reflecting the importance of power dynamics in society.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'sawing' action (削) that 'weakens' (弱) a sturdy tree. Visualize the saw cutting through the trunk, making it less stable and strong, which helps you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.

Meanings of 削弱

xuēruò(xue1ruo4)
1to weaken
2to impair
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 削弱

削弱Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13060Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 削弱

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AI Study Notes for 削弱

Quick Contrast

减弱 (jiǎnruò) - use 削弱 when emphasizing the act of weakening something intentionally, while 减弱 is more general and can imply a natural decrease.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 削弱 with 增强 (zēng qiáng), which means to strengthen. This word is generally used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions or political debates. Be mindful of the tones; using the wrong tone can alter the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 word, 削弱 can be connected to other vocabulary related to change and influence, like 影响 (yǐng xiǎng) meaning 'to influence.' Students should focus on using this word in complex sentences to describe various scenarios where weakening occurs.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 削弱 in sentences where they should use 增强 instead. For example, saying '我们的计划削弱了' (Our plan weakened) instead of '我们的计划增强了' (Our plan strengthened) can lead to confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 削弱

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Component Characters

削xiāoto peel with a knife
HSK 79 strokes刂
View full entry
弱ruòweak
HSK 510 strokes弓
View full entry

How to say to weaken in Chinese

“to weaken” in Chinese is削弱xuēruò

The verb 削弱 (xué ruò) means to weaken or diminish the strength or effectiveness of something. It is often used in contexts such as discussions about policies, arguments, or physical capabilities, indicating a reduction in power or influence.

When to use 削弱

Common mistakes include confusing 削弱 with 增强 (zēng qiáng), which means to strengthen. This word is generally used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions or political debates. Be mindful of the tones; using the wrong tone can alter the meaning entirely.

削弱 or something close to it

减弱 (jiǎnruò) - use 削弱 when emphasizing the act of weakening something intentionally, while 减弱 is more general and can imply a natural decrease.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 削弱 in sentences where they should use 增强 instead. For example, saying '我们的计划削弱了' (Our plan weakened) instead of '我们的计划增强了' (Our plan strengthened) can lead to confusion.

Write 削弱

削
弱

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Grammar Patterns of 削弱

削弱 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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 1

Fill the gap

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

这支部队不会容忍对其实力的____。

The army will brook no weakening of its power.

Example Sentences for 削弱 (1)

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1
这支部队不会容忍对其实力的削弱。

zhè zhī bù duì bù huì róng rěn duì qí shí lì de xiāo ruò。

The army will brook no weakening of its power.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 削弱

Typically, 削弱 has a negative connotation, as it implies a loss of strength or effectiveness.

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