軟弱

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 軟弱（なんじゃく） describes a lack of firmness or strength.
• Basic usage: It applies both to softened ground and to an assessment of someone as weak in attitude.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A physical state and a judgment of someone
  • 地盤が軟弱になる describes ground becoming weak.
  • Calling someone 軟弱だ evaluates their will or attitude as weak.
• Softness versus weakness
  • 柔らかい can simply describe softness, while 軟弱 puts more weight on insufficient firmness or strength.