How to say "limp" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 柔らかいやわらかいi-adjectiveThis common adjective is really the word for 'soft' or 'supple'; it fits 'limp' only where something flops because it is soft and flexible, and it is not the word for the walking sense.
- na-adjective, no-adjective, adverb (with と), suru verbFor things that are limp because they are soft: a less common mimetic word describing something flabby and pliable that flops instead of holding its shape, like overcooked noodles or a floppy toy.
- adverb (with と), suru verbLimp from lack of energy: a less common mimetic word for a person or animal gone slack and listless — a cat that goes completely limp when picked up, or someone wilted with exhaustion.
- びっこを引くびっこをひくexpression, godan verbA less common verb for the walking sense: someone walks with an uneven, hobbling gait because a leg or foot is injured or painful, as after a sprain.
- 足を引きずるあしをひきずるexpression, godan verbA less common verb for limping: here the foot or leg drags along instead of lifting properly, so the walk is a shuffle; it also covers 'dragging one's feet' in the figurative sense.
For walking, choose between 「びっこを引く」 (an uneven, hobbling gait) and 「足を引きずる」 (dragging a foot along); for things that flop because they are soft use 「柔らかい」 or 「ぐにゃぐにゃ」; for a body gone slack and listless use 「ぐんにゃり」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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