Proverb / Kotowaza
弁慶の泣き所
A person's most vulnerable point or a critical weakness.
The place that would make even Benkei cry
Quick Answer
A person's most vulnerable point or a critical weakness.
- Literal Image
- The place that would make even Benkei cry
- How to Use It
- Used to identify a specific vulnerability in someone's skills, a team's composition, or a person's character.
Meaning
Originally referring to the shin, a spot so sensitive that even a legendary strongman like Benkei would cry in pain if struck there. It is now used to describe any major vulnerability or fatal weakness in an otherwise strong person, team, or system.
Literal Image
The place that would make even Benkei cry
How to Use It
Used to identify a specific vulnerability in someone's skills, a team's composition, or a person's character.
Examples
彼はどんな仕事もこなすが、英語だけは弁慶の泣き所だ。
He can handle any job, but English is his only weak point.
このチームの弁慶の泣き所は守備力の弱さにある。
This team's Achilles' heel lies in their weak defense.
完璧に見える彼女にも弁慶の泣き所があるらしい。
It seems even she, who appears perfect, has a vulnerable spot.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the name of a historical figure and the term 'nakidokoro', which is an idiomatic compound for a sensitive spot.
弁慶
べんけい / Benkei
a legendary warrior monk known for his great strength
泣き所
なきどころ / nakidokoro
vulnerable spot; sensitive point
Usage Profile
Usage note: Meskipun awalnya merujuk pada bagian tubuh, dalam konteks modern ungkapan ini digunakan secara metaforis untuk kelemahan seseorang.
Misread Risk
While it originally refers to the shin, in modern usage it is used metaphorically for a person's weakness.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term is said to come from the fact that these specific body parts either cannot be strengthened by muscle or are extremely sensitive to pain when manipulated or struck.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.