Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fragile" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fragile", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もろい
もろい (moroi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
脆弱な
ぜいじゃくな (zeijakuna)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fragile" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もろい and 脆弱な.
In Japanese, もろい (もろい (moroi)) is typically associated with "fragile, brittle, frail, weak (emotionally)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that breaks easily, either physically.
On the other hand, 脆弱な (ぜいじゃくな (zeijakuna)) maps to "fragile, weak, vulnerable" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something easily broken, damaged, or susceptible to attack/failure. Can be physical. A literal translation of "fragile" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もろい"
このガラス製品はとてももろいので、注意してください。
This glass product is very fragile, so please be careful.
Bilingual Context for "脆弱な"
その国の経済は脆弱だ。
That country's economy is fragile.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このガラス製品はとても ＿＿＿ ので、注意してください。" (Meaning: "This glass product is very fragile, so please be careful.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もろい" fits here because it means "fragile, brittle, frail, weak (emotionally)" in the context of: "This glass product is very fragile, so please be careful.". "脆弱な" represents "fragile, weak, vulnerable".