The Chinese word 懦弱 (nuòruò, meaning "cowardly" or "timid") is a synonym compound formed by combining two characters with closely related meanings to reinforce and specify a shared concept. The first character, 懦 (nuò), carries the core meaning of timidity, cowardice, or being easily frightened. The second character, 弱 (ruò), means weak, feeble, or lacking in strength. When paired, they create a nuanced, emphatic term that describes a weakness of character or spirit, specifically a psychological or moral feebleness that leads to a lack of courage, rather than just physical weakness. This structure is a classic method in Chinese word formation where synonymous or near-synonymous morphemes are combined to solidify an abstract quality.