脆い

The word "moroi" describes a state where something is likely to break, collapse, or fail suddenly when subjected to pressure or stress. While it is often translated as "weak" or "fragile," it carries a specific nuance of "brittleness"—the idea that once a threshold is crossed, the object or state doesn't just bend or weaken, but shatters or disintegrates completely.

In a physical sense, it refers to materials that crumble or break easily, such as old wood, dry biscuits, or weathered stone. It is distinct from "yowai" (weak), which refers to a general lack of strength; "moroi" specifically emphasizes the ease of total failure.

When applied to emotions or personality, it describes someone who is easily overwhelmed or whose mental stability is precarious. It suggests a vulnerability that can lead to a sudden emotional breakdown.

In social or political contexts, it describes a precarious balance or a fragile peace. It implies that the current stability is superficial and could be destroyed by a single unforeseen event. This "precariousness" is the core image of the word across all its usages.