弱まる
よわまる · yowamaru · JLPT N3 · verb-godan
to weaken
🪫 弱まる = 弱い (yowai, weak) + まる (to become): to grow weak
The -まる ending turns an adjective into a verb for something that happens by itself. So 弱い (weak) becomes 弱まる (to weaken on its own). Its opposite is 強まる (tsuyomaru, to strengthen), from 強い (strong).
弱 — two 弓 (bows) + two 彡 (feathers/strokes)
Originally depicted two bent bows with drooping feathers or fine hairs, suggesting something pliant and weak. The doubled 弓 emphasizes flexibility, while 彡 evokes delicate, thin strands. The image of a soft, bending bow extended to mean 'weak,' 'frail,' or 'young.'