Meanings of 匮
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About 匮
Podcast: 匮
Podcast: 匮
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AI Study Notes for 匮
Learners often confuse 匮 with similar-sounding characters like 贵 (guì), which means expensive or noble. This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation, so it has a more formal or literary tone. Be cautious with tonal pronunciation as mispronouncing it can change its meaning entirely.
Although 匮 is not listed in the HSK levels, understanding it can enhance vocabulary related to scarcity and deficiency. It connects with other words discussing lack, such as 不足 (bùzú) meaning insufficient. Focus on its usage in more formal contexts to deepen understanding.
Learners might confuse 匮 with the character 櫃 (guì), which means cabinet; remember that 匮 relates to lack rather than physical objects. For example, saying '我有一个匮子' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè guìzi) to mean 'I have a cabinet' is incorrect; it should be 櫃子 (guìzi).
Pronunciation of 匮
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Etymology of 匮
box
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 匮
- 1The meaning half匚 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half贵 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybox
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 匮? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 匮
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How to say to lack; lacking, deficient; exhausted; empty in Chinese
“to lack; lacking, deficient; exhausted; empty” in Chinese is匮
The character 匮 (guì) primarily means to lack or be deficient in something. It can also refer to a state of being exhausted or empty, often used in contexts where resources or energy are depleted. This character can be found in literary or formal contexts to describe scarcity or deficiency.
When to use 匮
Learners often confuse 匮 with similar-sounding characters like 贵 (guì), which means expensive or noble. This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation, so it has a more formal or literary tone. Be cautious with tonal pronunciation as mispronouncing it can change its meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 匮 with the character 櫃 (guì), which means cabinet; remember that 匮 relates to lack rather than physical objects. For example, saying '我有一个匮子' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè guìzi) to mean 'I have a cabinet' is incorrect; it should be 櫃子 (guìzi).
Write 匮
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Practice writing 匮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 匮
匮 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
有创业意愿的人非常____乏。
There is a lack of people wanting to start up new businesses.
Example Sentences for 匮 (3)
Word Family of 匮
Compound Meaning
What does 匮乏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匮
Common phrases include 匮乏 (guìfá), meaning scarcity or deficiency, and 匮空 (guìkōng), meaning emptied.
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