How do you say "What is your weakness?" in Japanese?

"What is your weakness?" in Japanese is "弱みは何ですか。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "弱みは何ですか。" mean in English?

"弱みは何ですか。" means "What is your weakness?" in English. Usage tip: Pattern: [Nは何ですか] = “What is N?” The [は] marks the topic, not the object.

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How to Say ‘What is your weakness?’ in Japanese

弱みは何ですか。

yowami wa nani desu ka

[yoh-wah-mee hah nah-nee dess kah]

💬 Usage Tip: Pattern: [Nは何ですか] = “What is N?” The [は] marks the topic, not the object.

🇯🇵 In Japan: A “good” Japanese-style answer often includes: 1) a modest weakness, 2) an example, 3) what you do to improve. It shows self-awareness and effort.

Phrase Breakdown

弱み

yowami

[yoh-wah-mee]

weakness; weak point

A key interview topic: describe a weakness and then explain your improvement efforts.

Example

面接官に弱みは何ですかと聞かれました。

The interviewer asked me, 'What is your weakness?'

は

[hah]

topic marker "as for"

Marks 弱み as the topic: 'As for your weakness...'.

Example

弱みは正直に伝えます。

I will honestly communicate my weakness.

何ですか

nani desu ka

what is it?; what are they?

Polite question meaning “what is…?” Used in interviews and formal conversations.

Example

お名前は何ですか。

What is your name?

Words in this phrase

何

nani

[nah-nee]

what

Used here in a polite interview question: 'What is (it)?'

Example

あなたの弱みは何ですか。

What is your weakness?

です

desu

[dess]

to be (polite)

Polite copula, keeps the question formal and respectful.

Example

それは私の課題です。

That is my challenge.

か

[kah]

(question particle)

Makes the sentence a question; standard in interview questions.

Example

強みは何ですか。

What is your strength?

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