Japanese word

乏しい

Pronunciation

Romajitoboshii

Meaning

  • i-adjectivelimited

Example

彼女は経験が乏しいです。kano jo wa kei ken ga tobo shi i de su

Her experience is limited.

Illustration for 乏しい (limited)

More examples

この地域は水資源が乏しいです。ko no chi iki wa mizu shi gen ga tobo shi i de su

This region has scarce water resources.

Core concept

Describes a supply, ability, or quality that falls short of what is needed and is therefore not abundant.

Common phrases

  • 経験が乏しいkei ken ga tobo shi i

    have little experience

  • 知識が乏しいchi shiki ga tobo shi i

    have limited knowledge

  • 語彙が乏しいgo i ga tobo shi i

    have a limited vocabulary

Similar words

少ないsukunai: Describes a quantity or number that is small.
足りないtarinai: Describes an amount or ability that does not reach what is needed.
貧しいmazushii: Describes a person with little wealth or a thing lacking richness or quality.

Definition in Japanese

必要なものや程度が十分でなく、少ない状態にある。hitsu yō na mo no ya tei do ga jū bun de na ku suku na i jō tai ni a ru

Word origin

乏しい (toboshii) is a native Japanese adjective related to the older adjective 乏し (tomoshi), which meant "scarce"; the form later changed in pronunciation.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 乏しい (toboshii) commonly describes limited experience, knowledge, resources, or opportunities, so it applies to more than physical supplies.

Other meanings

  • poori-adjective
  • lackingi-adjective
  • scarcei-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 乏しさtoboshisascarcitynoun

Word lists with this word