Definitions

nuò (bound form) cowardly; faint-hearted

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "懦" is structured with the heart radical 忄 on the left and the component 需 on the right, where 需 historically functions as a phonetic element while also carrying semantic connotations of softness or yielding. This composition etymologically links the character to the concept of cowardice or timidity as a condition of the heart or mind. In classical Chinese texts, "懦" was employed to describe individuals exhibiting fear or a lack of courage, and its meaning has consistently centered on weakness of will or resolve. The character's form has not undergone substantial alteration, and its components continue to reflect this association with psychological frailty.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个人很弱。

Zhège rén hěn nuòruò.

This person is very cowardly.

不要成为一个夫。

Bùyào chéngwéi yīgè nuòfū.

Don't become a coward.

他的弱让人失望。

Tā de nuòruò ràng rén shīwàng.

His cowardice makes people disappointed.

面对困难时不能怯

Miànduì kùnnán shí bùnéng qiènuò.

When facing difficulties, one cannot be timid.

如果你弱,就会失去机会。

Rúguǒ nǐ nuòruò, jiù huì shīqù jīhuì.

If you are cowardly, you will lose opportunities.

那个弱的士兵不敢上前线。

Nàgè nuòruò de shìbīng bù gǎn shàng qiánxiàn.

That cowardly soldier dares not go to the front line.

弱的心态阻碍了个人成长。

Nuòruò de xīntài zǔ'àile gèrén chéngzhǎng.

A cowardly mindset hinders personal growth.

尽管他内心弱,但表面上却装得很勇敢。

Jǐnguǎn tā nèixīn nuòruò, dàn biǎomiàn shàng què zhuāng dé hěn yǒnggǎn.

Although he is cowardly inside, on the surface he pretends to be very brave.