A mimetic word describing something limp, weak, or collapsing; used for a lack of strength or energy.
疲れてへなへなと椅子に座り込んだ。
Exhausted, I sank into the chair weakly.
緊張が解けると体がへなへなになった。
When the tension released, my body went limp.
彼は答えを聞いてへなへなと肩を落とした。
He slumped his shoulders helplessly when he heard the answer.
Describing something flimsy or easily bendable—soft, not sturdy; often used for objects.
その傘は骨が細くて、風でへなへなになった。
The ribs of that umbrella are thin, and it bent easily in the wind.
新しい割り箸は濡れるとへなへなになりやすい。
New disposable chopsticks tend to go limp when they get wet.