Débil can describe reduced strength, intensity or persuasive force according to context.

The idea

The singular débil is the same for both genders; the plural débiles keeps the accent.

Examples

  • La señal es débil en esta habitación.The signal is weak in this room.
  • Después de la enfermedad se siente débil.After the illness, the person feels weak.
  • La luz débil apenas ilumina la mesa.The dim light barely illuminates the table.
  • Las pilas débiles no encienden el juguete.The weak batteries do not turn on the toy.
  • El viento es débil esta mañana.The wind is weak this morning.
  • Sus argumentos son débiles sin pruebas.Their arguments are weak without evidence.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

A débil signal is weak, while a débil argument lacks force; neither meaning requires physical weakness.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the singular form: La señal es ___. (débil / débiles)

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    débil

    Débil agrees with the singular noun señal.

  2. Choose the plural form: Los argumentos son ___. (débiles / débil)

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    débiles

    Débiles agrees with the plural noun argumentos and retains the written accent.

  3. Choose the adjective that fits the description: La luz apenas ilumina la mesa; es ___. (débil / intensa)

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    débil

    Débil fits a light that barely illuminates; intensa means intense.

Use it today

Describe a weak signal and explain why an argument seems weak.