泣き所・泣きどころ・泣き処|なきどころnakidokoro[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounweak point; vulnerable point; Achilles' heel

• SynonymウィークポイントNeutralLoanword for a weak point, common in business and sports talk; it stresses a weak area but lacks the sense that touching it really hurts, as with 「泣き所」.
• Synonym弱点じゃくてんNeutralThe everyday word for a weakness; more objective than 「泣き所」, it covers deficiencies and spots open to attack, without the sting of being hit.
• Synonym欠点けってんNeutralA fault or defect viewed evaluatively; it stresses shortcomings that need improving and is not necessarily a soft spot others can attack.
• Synonym弱みよわみCasualColloquial word for a weakness that costs you if others seize on it — a hold someone can get on you, as in 「弱みを握る」.
• Synonym短所たんしょWrittenWritten word for one's own shortcomings, the counterpart of 「長所」; used mainly of personality and ability rather than vulnerable spots.
• Synonym鬼門きもんNeutralThings, people or places you personally find hard to deal with or want to avoid, as in 「数学は鬼門だ」; not necessarily a weak point others can attack.
• Related傷きずCasualColloquial; at bottom a physical wound or scratch, extended to flaws and stains on one's record — the emphasis stays on damage, not on a spot others attack.
• Related苦手にがてNeutralThings or people you are bad at handling or just don't get along with; it turns on personal likes and dislikes, not on a weak point others can strike.
• Related難点なんてんWrittenWritten word for a point that is hard to deal with, or a defect; it stresses what is difficult to handle as well as flaws.
• Related瑕疵かしWrittenWritten word for a flaw or defect, especially in quality; also the legal term for a defect. It names the flaw itself rather than a vulnerable spot.
• Related痛いところいたいところCasualColloquial: a sore spot that stings the moment someone points it out; in feel it sits very close to 「泣き所」.
• Related付け目つけめCasualColloquial: the other party's weak point viewed as an opening to exploit — a chink you can take advantage of, not a weakness of your own.

Use 「泣き所」 for a vital weak spot that hurts the moment it is touched or attacked, as in 「弁慶の泣き所」. For a weak point in general, say 「弱点」 or 「ウィークポイント」; for a weakness that can be held against you, 「弱み」; for a sore spot that stings when mentioned, 「痛いところ」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 誰だれもが弱よわさを感かんじる部分ぶぶん。攻撃こうげきされやすい点てん。