弱点 — meaning in English: Weak point

jakuten · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for weakness

弱点

jakuten

追加

tsuika

潜在的な

senzai-teki na

ジャケット

jaketto

穴

ana

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the term 弱点 (jakuten) in discussions about personal strengths and weaknesses, especially during job interviews or self-assessments. For instance, someone might say, 'My 弱点 is public speaking,' to highlight an area they wish to improve.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 弱点 is 欠点 (kekten), which means 'flaw' or 'defect.' While both words refer to weaknesses, 欠点 carries a more negative connotation and implies a shortcoming that may not be redeemable, whereas 弱点 is often framed in a context of potential for growth.

Culture

The concept of identifying one's 弱点 (jakuten) is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where self-improvement and humility are highly valued. In competitive environments, acknowledging weaknesses can demonstrate a willingness to grow, which is often respected. Interestingly, the term is also used in strategic contexts, such as martial arts or gaming, where recognizing an opponent's 弱点 can lead to victory.

FAQ

Q.What does 弱点 mean in English?

In English, 弱点 (jakuten) translates to 'weak point' or 'weakness.' It can refer to both personal shortcomings and vulnerabilities in various contexts.

Q.How do you use 弱点 in a sentence?

You can use 弱点 in a sentence like this: '私の弱点は時間管理です。' (Watashi no jakuten wa jikan kanri desu.), which means 'My weak point is time management.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 弱点?

A common mistake is confusing 弱点 (jakuten) with 強み (tsuyomi), which means 'strength.' Remember that 弱点 specifically refers to weaknesses, while 強み denotes strengths.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000