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紧缺 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
紧缺jǐnquēin short supplyHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #31704, Very Hard
紧缺jǐnquēscarceHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #31704, Very Hard
jǐnquē(jin3que1)jin que T3
  1. 1in short supply
  2. 2scarce
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March 24, 2026

紧缺(緊缺)jǐnquē(jin3que1)

紧缺 (jǐnquē) describes a situation where resources or items are in short supply, indicating scarcity. It is commonly used in contexts such as economics, inventory management, or when discussing limited availability of goods or services.

Strokes20Frequency#31704DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In China, discussions of 'scarcity' often relate to historical events where resources were limited, such as during times of economic reform. Understanding this term can provide insight into current economic policies and resource allocation.

Memory tip

Imagine a tight rope (紧) that is stretched to its limits and is about to break, symbolizing scarcity. The '缺' part looks like a missing puzzle piece, representing something that is lacking. Together, they form a vivid image of something that is critically low.

Meanings of 紧缺

jǐnquē(jin3que1)
1in short supply
2scarce
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About 紧缺

紧缺Simplified
緊缺Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 紧缺

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Podcast: 紧缺

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AI study notes for 紧缺

Quick Contrast

短缺 (duǎnquē) - use 紧缺 when emphasizing urgency or immediacy of the scarcity, while 短缺 is more general.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 紧缺 with similar terms like 缺乏 (quēfá), which means 'lack' but is more general. This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about resources. It’s important to use the correct tone when stating this word to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 紧缺 may not be an HSK word, it is useful for learners aiming for HSK Level 5 or higher. Focus on incorporating it into discussions about economics or resource management, as it connects well with terms like 资源 (zīyuán, resources) and 供应 (gōngyìng, supply).

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 紧缺 with 紧张 (jǐnzhāng, tense), which is unrelated. For example, saying '这个资源很紧张' (This resource is very tense) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '这个资源很紧缺' (This resource is very scarce).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 紧缺

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Component characters

紧jǐntight
HSK 510 strokes糸
View full entry
缺quēdeficiency
HSK 410 strokes缶
View full entry

How to say in short supply in Chinese

“in short supply” in Chinese is紧缺jǐnquē

紧缺 (jǐnquē) describes a situation where resources or items are in short supply, indicating scarcity. It is commonly used in contexts such as economics, inventory management, or when discussing limited availability of goods or services.

When to use 紧缺

Be careful not to confuse 紧缺 with similar terms like 缺乏 (quēfá), which means 'lack' but is more general. This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about resources. It’s important to use the correct tone when stating this word to avoid misunderstandings.

紧缺 or something close to it

短缺 (duǎnquē) - use 紧缺 when emphasizing urgency or immediacy of the scarcity, while 短缺 is more general.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 紧缺 with 紧张 (jǐnzhāng, tense), which is unrelated. For example, saying '这个资源很紧张' (This resource is very tense) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '这个资源很紧缺' (This resource is very scarce).

Write 紧缺

紧
缺

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Frequently asked questions about 紧缺

You can use 紧缺 when discussing limited availability of products, such as food, medicine, or housing.

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