Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
脆弱cuìruò(cui4ruo4)
脆弱 (cui4 ruo4) describes a state of being weak or fragile, often used to refer to physical health, emotional stability, or structural integrity. It's commonly used in contexts such as discussing someone's health, a fragile relationship, or a weak argument.
Frequency#3561DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing someone's 脆弱 nature can indicate concern and empathy, reflecting the value placed on interpersonal relationships and emotional support within families and communities.
Memory Tip
Think of 脆 (cui4) as 'crunchy' and 弱 (ruo4) as 'weak.' Imagine a delicate cookie that looks strong but crumbles easily in your hands – this cookie represents something that is 脆弱.
Meanings of 脆弱
cuìruò(cui4ruo4)
1weak
2frail
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 脆弱
脆弱Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3561Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 脆弱
Podcast: 脆弱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 脆弱
Quick Contrast
脆弱 (fragile) vs 弱 (weak) — use 脆弱 to emphasize fragility or delicacy, while 弱 simply denotes lack of strength.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 脆 (cui4) as 'crunchy' and 弱 (ruo4) as 'weak.' Imagine a delicate cookie that looks strong but crumbles easily in your hands – this cookie represents something that is 脆弱.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 脆弱 is often used in serious contexts, so it may not be appropriate in light-hearted conversations. Common collocations include '脆弱的身体' (frail body) and '脆弱的关系' (fragile relationship).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 脆弱 connects to themes of emotional vocabulary and physical descriptions. Students should focus on how it contrasts with stronger terms like 强壮 (qiang2 zhuang4, strong) and explore its usage in more complex sentences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing someone's 脆弱 nature can indicate concern and empathy, reflecting the value placed on interpersonal relationships and emotional support within families and communities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 脆弱 with 强壮 (qiang2 zhuang4, strong), using it to describe someone who is capable. A wrong example would be saying '他很脆弱' to mean 'He is strong.' The correct usage would be '他很强壮'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脆弱
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 脆弱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 脆弱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 脆弱
脆弱 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
一旦你改掉神经____的毛病，便可一往无前。
When you've got over your squeamishness, there will be no stopping you.
I'm very squeamish and when I see needles I run a mile.
6
许多十几岁的孩子既缺乏自信又不够懂事，所以感情上十分脆弱。
xǔ duō shí jī suì de hái zǐ jì quē fá zì xìn yòu bù gòu dǒng shì， ， suǒ yǐ gǎn qíng shàng shí fēn cuì。
Lacking self-confidence and maturity, many teenagers are left feeling very vulnerable.
7
这些事件表明北爱尔兰的和平仍然很脆弱。
zhè xiē shì jiàn biǎo míng běi ài ěr lán de hé píng réng rán hěn cuì ruò。
These incidents suggest the peace in Northern Ireland is still brittle.
8
风暴刮平了村民们居住的脆弱的木屋.
fēng bào guā píng le cūn mín mén jū zhù de cuì ruò de mù wū.
The storm flattened the flimsy wooden huts that the villagers lived in.
9
蚀刻出来的金属箔格栅是很脆弱的,容易变形 、 皱折或撕裂.
shí kè chū lái de jīn shǔ bó gé zhà shì hěn cuì ruò de, , róng yì biàn、 xíng 、 zhòu zhē huò.
The etched metal - film grids are very fragile and easy to distort, wrinkle or tear.
10
戴维承认了自己的脆弱。
dài wéi chéng rèn le zì jǐ de cuì ruò。
David accepts his own vulnerability.
Cultural Notes for 脆弱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussing someone's 脆弱 nature can indicate concern and empathy, reflecting the value placed on interpersonal relationships and emotional support within families and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 脆弱
No, 脆弱 can describe emotional fragility or vulnerability in relationships as well.
Typically, 脆弱 carries a negative connotation, so it's best used in contexts emphasizing concern or caution.
