Meaning and Usage
The verb 弱まる (よわまる) means "to weaken" or "to become weaker." It is an intransitive verb, so it describes a subject losing strength or intensity on its own, without a direct object.
Common Contexts
You will often see 弱まる used with natural phenomena like wind or storms (e.g., 風が弱まる), physical conditions such as pain or strength, and abstract concepts like willpower or influence.
Collocations and Patterns
- 風が弱まる: the wind weakens, commonly used in weather reports.
- 痛みが弱まる: pain lessens, often in medical or everyday health contexts.
- 意志が弱まる: willpower weakens, used in emotional or psychological contexts.
Register and Nuance
This verb is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often found in news, weather forecasts, and everyday conversation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 弱まる (intransitive) with 弱める (よわめる), which is the transitive form meaning "to weaken something." Remember 弱まる describes something becoming weak by itself.