How do you say weakness in Spanish?

Weakness in Spanish is debilidad, which covers physical, emotional, and moral weakness. For a specific vulnerable point, punto débil is more precise, and flaqueza adds a literary or solemn tone, especially for moral failings.

What does tener debilidad por mean?

Tener debilidad por means to have a weakness for or a soft spot for something, usually food, a person, or a hobby. It expresses an affectionate inability to resist something, without the negative connotation that weakness sometimes carries.

How do you say strengths and weaknesses in Spanish?

Strengths and weaknesses translates to fortalezas y debilidades, the standard phrasing in job interviews, self-assessments, and strategic analysis. The SWOT analysis framework in Spanish uses fortalezas, oportunidades, debilidades, amenazas (FODA).

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

Weakness in Spanish: Debilidad

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Debilidad · noun · deh-bee-lee-DAHD

Debilidad is the primary Spanish word for weakness, covering physical frailty, character flaws, and vulnerabilities. It also has an affectionate secondary meaning: tener debilidad por algo means to have a soft spot for something. Punto débil targets a specific weak point, while flaqueza appears in formal or literary writing about moral shortcomings.

Debilidad is four syllables: deh-bee-lee-DAHD, with stress on the final syllable. The d at the end softens to a barely audible th sound in many dialects.

Reconocer tus debilidades es el primer paso para mejorar.

Recognizing your weaknesses is the first step to improving.

Weakness in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for weakness, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
debilidad	weakness	deh-bee-lee-DAHD	Default, widely understood
punto débil	weakness		used figuratively for a weak point or vulnerability
flaqueza	weakness		literary or formal, often used for moral weakness

How Native Speakers Use Debilidad

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Personal growth

Mi debilidad principal es que no sé decir que no cuando me piden favores.

My main weakness is that I can't say no when people ask me for favors.

Debilidad is standard in self-reflection, job interviews, and personal development conversations.

Physical weakness

Después de la gripe, sentí una debilidad enorme en todo el cuerpo.

After the flu, I felt an enormous weakness throughout my entire body.

Debilidad describes physical exhaustion or frailty, often after illness or intense exercise.

Soft spot

Tengo debilidad por el chocolate, no puedo resistirme.

I have a weakness for chocolate, I can't resist.

Tener debilidad por expresses an irresistible fondness or craving, an affectionate use of the word.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Debilidad

Using debilidad when punto débil is more precise

Incorrect: La debilidad del equipo es la defensa.

Correct: El punto débil del equipo es la defensa.

When referring to a specific vulnerability or weak point, punto débil is more precise than the general debilidad. Debilidad implies overall weakness rather than a targeted area.

Confusing débil with debilidad

Incorrect: Mostrar débil no es malo.

Correct: Mostrar debilidad no es malo.

Débil is the adjective (weak), while debilidad is the noun (weakness). Spanish requires the noun form after the verb mostrar (to show): showing weakness, not showing weak.

Lock in Weakness Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Debilidad used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using debilidad in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Reconocer tus debilidades es el primer paso para mejorar. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Weakness in Spanish

How do you say weakness in Spanish?: Weakness in Spanish is debilidad, which covers physical, emotional, and moral weakness. For a specific vulnerable point, punto débil is more precise, and flaqueza adds a literary or solemn tone, especially for moral failings.
What does tener debilidad por mean?: Tener debilidad por means to have a weakness for or a soft spot for something, usually food, a person, or a hobby. It expresses an affectionate inability to resist something, without the negative connotation that weakness sometimes carries.
How do you say strengths and weaknesses in Spanish?: Strengths and weaknesses translates to fortalezas y debilidades, the standard phrasing in job interviews, self-assessments, and strategic analysis. The SWOT analysis framework in Spanish uses fortalezas, oportunidades, debilidades, amenazas (FODA).