Meaning of 薄弱
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- weak; frail
How to use 薄弱
薄弱 usually describes abstract things like foundations, links, awareness, or defenses, not a person's body. It often appears in phrases like 薄弱环节 (weak link) and 基础薄弱 (weak foundation). Example: 他的数学基础比较薄弱。(Tā de shùxué jīchǔ bǐjiào bóruò.) His foundation in math is rather weak.
薄 (bó) means thin, like a thin sheet, and 弱 (ruò) means weak. Something thin and weak is easy to break through, so 薄弱 describes a weak spot or a weak link.
Common mistake: Learners often use 薄弱 for a sick or tired person, but for physical weakness you need 虚弱 (xūruò), as in 身体很虚弱. Also note 薄 is read bó here, not báo, which is the everyday reading for thin paper or clothes.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
薄 báo · thin · 16 strokes
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弱 ruò · weak · 10 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 薄弱.
Questions about 薄弱
What does 薄弱 mean?
薄弱 (bóruò) means "weak; frail" and is used as a adjective.
How do you write 薄弱?
薄弱 is made of 2 characters: 薄 (16 strokes), 弱 (10 strokes). That is 26 strokes in total.
Is 薄弱 an HSK word?
Yes. 薄弱 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 薄弱 and 脆弱?
薄弱 means lacking strength or solidity, like a weak foundation or weak area of work. 脆弱 (cuìruò) means fragile and easily broken, and is often used for emotions, as in 感情脆弱 (emotionally fragile).
How do I say that something needs to be strengthened when it is 薄弱?
Pair it with 加强 (jiāqiáng), to strengthen. For example: 我们要加强薄弱环节。(Wǒmen yào jiāqiáng bóruò huánjié.) We need to strengthen the weak links.