Meaning:

“学” translates to “study,” and “弱” means “weak.” Coined by Chinese netizens, this term describes students who strive for academic excellence, work hard, but ultimately struggle to achieve good results due to a lack of necessary abilities or skills. The opposite of these students are the “学神” (pinyin: xuéshén), or “god of study,” who excel in their studies without apparent effort.

Example:

A: 你家孩子每天晚上几点能写完作业？

Nǐjiā háizi měitiān wǎnshang jǐdiǎn néng xiěwán zuòyè？

When does your child typically finish his homework?

B: 大概九点半左右。

Dàgài jiǔdiǎnbàn zuǒyòu。

Around 9:30 in the evening.

A: 小学也这么多作业啊？

Xiǎoxué yě zhèmeduō zuòyè a？

I didn’t realize how much homework primary school kids have nowadays.

B: 没办法，厉害的孩子大概七点就写完了，但他是学弱。

Méi bànfǎ， lìhài de háizi dàgài qīdiǎn jiù xiěwán le， dàn tā shì xuéruò。

Some efficient kids may finish by 7, but unfortunately my son is not as good in his studies despite his efforts.