Chinese word

紧缺

Pronunciation

Pinyinjǐn quē

Meaning

  • adjectivein short supply

Example

医院现在紧缺防护用品。yī yuàn xiàn zài jǐn quē fáng hù yòng pǐn

Protective supplies are currently in short supply at the hospital.

Illustration for 紧缺 (in short supply)

More examples

研究经费紧缺导致课题进展缓慢。yán jiū jīng fèi jǐn quē dǎo zhì kè tí jìn zhǎn huǎn màn

Research funding is in short supply, so the project is progressing slowly.

Core concept

A pressure point forms when available goods or workers cannot keep up with immediate need.

Common phrases

  • 资金紧缺zī jīn jǐn quē

    funds in short supply

  • 设备紧缺shè bèi jǐn quē

    equipment in short supply

  • 能源紧缺néng yuán jǐn quē

    energy in short supply

Similar words

短缺duǎn quē: In short supply for a limited time or in a limited area.
急缺jí quē: In critically short supply, so rapid replenishment or action is needed.
不足bù zú: Not sufficient in amount or degree for a need or expected standard.

Definition in Chinese

短期内因需求增加或供给减少而出现数量不足的状况，常用来形容某类物资或人手供不应求的情况。duǎn qī nèi yīn xū qiú zēng jiā huò gōng jǐ jián shǎo ér chū xiàn shù liàng bù zú de zhuàng kuàng cháng yòng lái xíng róng mǒu lèi wù zī huò rén shǒu gōng bú yìng qiú de qíng kuàng

Word origin

紧 (jǐn, "tight") + 缺 (quē, "lacking") combines pressure with absence, describing a shortage that needs attention because demand and supply are out of balance.

Usage tips

  • It does not necessarily mean that none exists; goods or staff can be 紧缺 (jǐnquē, "in short supply") when some are available but cannot meet current demand.

Other meanings

  • stock shortagenoun
  • supply shortagenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word