refined and physically frail; bookish and delicate
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesadjective
refined and gentle in manner but physically frail; delicate (often describing scholars or literati)
Typically describes educated individuals or scholars who possess cultural refinement but lack physical robustness. Commonly appears in the collocation '文弱书生' (a refined but physically weak scholar). Often used in slightly pitying or descriptive contexts.
Tā他
kàn看
qǐ起
lái来
hěn很
wén文
ruò弱
，
qí其
shí实
lì力
qi气
hěn很
dà大
。
He looks very refined and frail, but actually has great strength.
Zhè这
wèi位
wén文
ruò弱
shū书
shēng生
ná拿
qǐ起
jiàn剑
lái来
jìng竟
yǒu有
mó模
yǒu有
yàng样
。
This delicate scholar actually looked quite impressive when he picked up the sword.
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Bié别
kàn看
tā他
wài外
biǎo表
wén文
ruò弱
，
nèi内
xīn心
què却
hěn很
jiān坚
qiáng强
。
Don't be fooled by his delicate appearance; he is very strong inside.
Wén文
ruò弱
de的
wài外
biǎo表
xià下
cáng藏
zhe着
yī一
kē颗
yǒng勇
gǎn敢
de的
xīn心
。
Beneath the frail exterior lies a brave heart.