Meaning and Usage
The adjective '약하다' primarily means 'to be weak' or 'to be fragile' in various contexts. It can describe physical weakness, such as lacking strength or stamina, but also figurative weakness like a weak effect or sensitivity to something.
Common Contexts
- Physical condition: describing a person who is not strong or easily tired.
- Medicine or substances: indicating something has a mild or weak effect.
- Emotional or psychological sensitivity: being vulnerable or easily affected by stress or other factors.
Collocations and Patterns
- 체력이 약하다: to be physically weak
- 효과가 약하다: to have a weak effect
- ~에 약하다: to be weak or vulnerable to something (e.g., stress, cold, certain foods)
Register and Usage Notes
'약하다' is a neutral adjective used in everyday conversation and writing. It is not formal or informal by itself but fits well in casual and polite contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '약하다' with '적다' (to be few or little) when talking about quantity. Remember, '약하다' refers to weakness or mildness, not quantity.
Use '약하다' when you want to express that something or someone lacks strength, potency, or resilience in a specific context.