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
脆弱
ぜいじゃく (zeijaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fragile" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 脆い and 脆弱.
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, 脆弱 (ぜいじゃく (zeijaku)) maps to "fragile, weak, brittle" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used to describe systems, organizations, or mental/physical states that are easily broken, damaged, or overcome. Not typically used for physical objects like glass.. 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 "脆弱"
そのシステムはセキュリティが脆弱だ。
The security of that system is fragile.
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.". "脆弱" represents "fragile, weak, brittle".