软弱 ruǎnruò weak
weak; feeble; flabby
How to remember 软弱: 软 soft + 弱 weak = weak.
Characters
How it is used
- Weak in character or will - lacking firmness - 他性格软弱,不敢反抗 (tā xìnggé ruǎnruò, bùgǎn fǎnkàng) he's spineless and dares not resist.
- Chiefly about temperament/resolve (软弱无能 weak and incompetent), sometimes physical feebleness after illness (身体软弱).
- Carries a critical, disapproving tone. Distinct from 虚弱 (xūruò, physically frail/weak) - 软弱 targets weakness of will and backbone.