Inklingo

How to Say "weak" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “weak” is “débil” — use this for general lack of physical strength, energy, or a low intensity of something like a signal or flavor.

English → Spanish

débil

adjectiveA2general
Use this for general lack of physical strength, energy, or a low intensity of something like a signal or flavor.

Examples

Me siento débil después de no comer en todo el día.

I feel weak after not eating all day.

débiles

adjectiveA2general
This is the plural form of 'débil', used when referring to multiple people, things, or concepts that are lacking strength.

Examples

Los argumentos del abogado eran débiles y el jurado no los creyó.

The lawyer's arguments were weak, and the jury didn't believe them.

flojo

FLO-hoˈflox o

adjectiveB1informal
Use this when something lacks firmness, intensity, or is not strong enough, like a weak drink or a loose fit.
A thin, wilted flower drooping towards the ground.

Examples

Este café está muy flojo, le falta sabor.

This coffee is very weak; it lacks flavor.

Este café está muy flojo, parece agua.

This coffee is very weak; it tastes like water.

La película tuvo un final muy flojo.

The movie had a very weak ending.

Las ventas han estado flojas este mes.

Sales have been sluggish this month.

Abstract Weakness

While 'débil' describes physical weakness (like a sick person), 'flojo' describes a lack of quality, effort, or intensity in things like movies, arguments, or coffee.

frágil

adjectiveB1general
This applies to situations, health, or objects that are easily broken, damaged, or delicate.

Examples

Su salud es frágil y necesita cuidados especiales.

His health is frail, and he needs special care.

desmayado

des-mah-YAH-dohdesmaˈʝaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use this when someone is feeling faint or has lost consciousness due to weakness, often from heat or exhaustion.
A sad character sitting on a park bench with slumped shoulders and a hanging head, looking discouraged.

Examples

El calor era tan intenso que varios asistentes se sintieron desmayados.

The heat was so intense that several attendees felt faint.

Se siente desmayado por el calor y el hambre.

He feels weak from the heat and hunger.

No te quedes desmayado ante las dificultades.

Don't get discouraged in the face of difficulties.

Figurative Use

In literature or formal speech, you can use this word to describe a soul or spirit that has 'lost its strength' or is 'faint-hearted'.

quebrado

keh-BRAH-dohkeˈβɾaðo

adjectiveB1general
This specifically describes a voice that is unsteady, shaky, or sounds like it might break.
A colorful illustration of a wooden pencil snapped in two pieces.

Examples

Habló con voz quebrada al despedirse de sus amigos.

He spoke with a trembling voice when saying goodbye to his friends.

Ten cuidado con ese plato, está quebrado.

Be careful with that plate; it is broken (cracked).

Después de la crisis, el pequeño negocio quedó quebrado.

After the crisis, the small business went bankrupt.

El terreno era muy quebrado y difícil de caminar.

The terrain was very rugged and difficult to walk through.

Adjective Matching

This word must change to 'quebrada' if the object you are describing is feminine, like 'una silla quebrada' (a broken chair).

Using with 'Estar'

We use the verb 'estar' (to be) because being broken or bankrupt is considered a state or condition that could change.

Quebrado vs. Roto

Mistake: “Saying 'mi teléfono está quebrado' for a shattered screen.”

Correction: While 'quebrado' is okay in some regions, 'roto' is more common for completely destroyed items. 'Quebrado' usually implies a crack or a split.

Débil vs. Flojo

Learners often confuse 'débil' and 'flojo'. Remember that 'débil' is the most general term for lacking strength or energy, while 'flojo' is more specific to things being loose, not firm, or having low intensity like a drink.

Related Translations

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