yêu yếu

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Weak and delicate / frail: Describes a state of being both physically weak and having a delicate, often fragile, constitution or appearance. It implies vulnerability.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • Sau trận ốm, cô ấy trông rất yêu yếu. (After the illness, she looked very weak and delicate.)
    • Đứa trẻ sinh non có thể trạng yêu yếu. (The premature baby has a frail constitution.)
    • Cành hoa yêu yếu trước gió. (The flower's branch is delicate before the wind.)
Advanced Usage
  • This term is often used in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke a sense of tender vulnerability, combining physical weakness with a sense of preciousness that needs protection.
Variants and Related Words
  • Yếu ớt (adj): weak, feeble, frail. This is a more common synonym with a similar meaning but may carry slightly less connotation of delicate preciousness.
    • Ngọn lửa yếu ớt. (A feeble flame.)
Synonyms
  • Frail: weak and delicate.
  • Delicate: very fine in texture or structure; easily broken or damaged.
  • Feeble: lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
Note on Usage
  • "yêu yếu" is a less common, more poetic variant of "yếu ớt". The reference dictionary note ("xem yếu") indicates it is directly related to and can be understood through the core word "yếu" (weak). Its usage emphasizes a state of endearing fragility.