弱る

よわる · yowaru · JLPT N1 · verb-godan

to weaken

🥀 Verb of 弱い (yowai, weak): 弱る = to become weak, worn down, frail

Drop the い from 弱い (weak) and add る to get the verb meaning to grow weak. The kanji 弱 keeps the same core meaning of weakness in both forms.

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.'

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