How to say "brittle" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- i-adjectiveThe common, general word for 'brittle', covering physical things that break or crumble easily and figurative uses like weak or frail feelings or relationships. It is usually written in kana alone.
- 割れ易いわれやすいi-adjectiveDescribes a thing that cracks or breaks easily — 'brittle' in the strictly physical sense; it can also describe perishable items. Less common than もろい.
- 傷つきやすいきずつきやすいi-adjectiveLiterally 'easily damaged or hurt': for objects, something delicate that is readily damaged; for people and feelings, sensitive or easily hurt. Use it when 'brittle' really means vulnerable to damage.
- i-adjectiveA less common word that can also mean 'light'. For 'brittle' it is seldom the word you want; in most contexts もろい is the safer choice.
Use 「もろい」 for the general sense, physical or figurative; 割れやすい for things that crack or break easily; 「傷つきやすい」 for delicate things and easily hurt feelings; 「さくい」 is uncommon and seldom needed.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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