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March 24, 2026
缺乏quēfá(que1fa2)
缺乏 (que1 fa2) means to lack or to be in short supply of something. It can refer to both tangible items, such as resources or materials, as well as intangible qualities, such as skills or knowledge. This term is often used to express a deficiency that needs to be addressed.
Strokes14Frequency#3600DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, discussions about 缺乏 often revolve around resources, especially in the context of economic growth where certain areas may be lacking in development. This term is commonly used in education to highlight gaps in knowledge or skills.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to build a house but discovering that they 缺乏 (que1 fa2) tools. The left part of the character (缺) looks like a roof, suggesting something is missing from above. The right part (乏) resembles a person feeling weak or tired, symbolizing a lack of strength or resources.
Meanings of 缺乏
quēfá(que1fa2)
1to lack
2to be short of
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About 缺乏
缺乏Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3600Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 缺乏
Podcast: 缺乏
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AI Study Notes for 缺乏
Quick Contrast
缺少 (quēshǎo) — use 缺乏 for a broader context of deficiency, while 缺少 often implies a more immediate or specific absence.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 缺乏 in contexts where 'lack' is not appropriate, such as emotional states. It is often used in formal contexts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Collocations include 缺乏资金 (lack of funds) or 缺乏经验 (lack of experience).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 缺乏 can be related to other vocabulary around deficiency or insufficiency, such as 不够 (not enough) and 需要 (to need). Students should focus on using it in sentences to express needs or shortages effectively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 缺乏 with 缺少, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying '我缺少经验' (I lack experience) is correct, but using 缺乏 in the same context can sound overly formal or incorrect. The more suitable term in casual conversation is 缺少.
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Pronunciation of 缺乏
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缺乏 (que1 fa2) means to lack or to be in short supply of something. It can refer to both tangible items, such as resources or materials, as well as intangible qualities, such as skills or knowledge. This term is often used to express a deficiency that needs to be addressed.
When to use 缺乏
Common mistakes include using 缺乏 in contexts where 'lack' is not appropriate, such as emotional states. It is often used in formal contexts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Collocations include 缺乏资金 (lack of funds) or 缺乏经验 (lack of experience).
缺乏 or something close to it
缺少 (quēshǎo) — use 缺乏 for a broader context of deficiency, while 缺少 often implies a more immediate or specific absence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 缺乏 with 缺少, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying '我缺少经验' (I lack experience) is correct, but using 缺乏 in the same context can sound overly formal or incorrect. The more suitable term in casual conversation is 缺少.
Write 缺乏
缺
乏
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Grammar Patterns of 缺乏
缺乏 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
