Chinese word

不足

Pronunciation

Pinyinbù zú

Meaning

  • adjectivenot enough

Example

时间不足，我们得加快。shí jiān bù zú wǒ men děi jiā kuài

There isn't enough time, so we have to hurry.

Illustration for 不足 (not enough)

More examples

由于证据不足，法庭无法定罪。yóu yú zhèng jù bù zú fǎ tíng wú fǎ dìng zuì

Because the evidence is insufficient, the court cannot convict.

Core concept

The available amount or condition is below what a task requires.

Common phrases

  • 时间不足shí jiān bù zú

    not enough time

  • 经验不足jīng yàn bù zú

    insufficient experience

  • 证据不足zhèng jù bù zú

    insufficient evidence

Similar words

不够bú gòu: Failing to reach the amount or degree needed.
短缺duǎn quē: Having too little supply to satisfy current demand.

Definition in Chinese

缺少必要的数量或条件，不能满足某种要求或目的。quē shǎo bì yào de shù liàng huò tiáo jiàn bù néng mǎn zú móu zhǒng yāo qiú huò mù dì

Word origin

不 (bù, "not") + 足 (zú, "sufficient") forms a direct contrast in which what is available does not reach what is needed.

Usage tips

  • A noun naming the limited resource often comes first, followed by this adjective, in short statements about schedules, budgets, or supplies.

Other meanings

  • fall shortverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 不足之处bù zú zhī chùshortcomingnoun
  • 不足为奇bù zú wéi qínot surprisingidiom

Word lists with this word