脆弱 cuìruò weak
weak; frail
How to remember 脆弱: 脆 fragile + 弱 weak = weak.
Characters
How it is used
- Fragile/frail, mostly emotional or systemic - 内心脆弱 (nèixīn cuìruò) emotionally fragile.
- Prefers abstract subjects: feelings, health, ecosystems, relationships. For a physically brittle object use 易碎 (yìsuì) instead.
- Contrast 薄弱 (bóruò), which describes weak links/foundations (基础薄弱); 脆弱 stresses vulnerability to breaking.
Example sentences
- 我们还是脆弱不堪。 Wǒmen háishì cuìruòbùkān.We're still vulnerable.