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 脆い and 脆弱な.
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 "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.". "脆弱な" represents "fragile, weak, vulnerable".