Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fragile" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fragile", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
脆い
もろい (moroi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
もろい
もろい (moroi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fragile" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 脆い and もろい.
In Japanese, 脆い (もろい (moroi)) is typically associated with "fragile, brittle, weak" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Easily broken, damaged, or susceptible to something. Can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts like emotions or systems..
On the other hand, もろい (もろい (moroi)) maps to "fragile, brittle, frail, weak (emotionally)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that breaks easily, either physically. A literal translation of "fragile" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "脆い"
この花瓶はとても脆いので、丁寧に扱ってください。
This vase is very fragile, so please handle it with care.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この花瓶はとても ＿＿＿ ので、丁寧に扱ってください。" (Meaning: "This vase is very fragile, so please handle it with care.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "脆い" fits here because it means "fragile, brittle, weak" in the context of: "This vase is very fragile, so please handle it with care.". "もろい" represents "fragile, brittle, frail, weak (emotionally)".