HSK · Level 55
105 words
Chinese word
缺
Pronunciation
Pinyinquē
Meaning
- verbbe chipped
Example
这个盘子缺了一块。zhè ge pán zi quē le yí kuài
This plate has a piece chipped off.
More examples
学生们缺时间，没办法按时交作业。xué shēng men quē shí jiān méi bàn fǎ àn shí jiāo zuò yè
The students don't have enough time, so they can't hand in their homework on time.
Core concept
A whole that cannot meet its purpose because one part or a needed amount is absent.
Common phrases
缺钱quē qián
lack money
缺时间quē shí jiān
lack time
Similar words
缺少quē shǎo: Have less of a needed part or resource than is required.
不够bú gòu: Be less than enough to satisfy a need or requirement.
没有méi yǒu: Not have something present or available.
Definition in Chinese
表示某物或某一部分不存在或不足，导致整体不完整或不能满足要求。biǎo shì mǒu wù huò mǒu yí bù fèn bù cún zài huò bù zú dǎo zhì zhéng tǐ bù wán zhěng huò bù néng mǎn zú yāo qiú
Word origin
The character 缺 (quē, "be chipped") combines 缶 (fǒu, "pot") with 夬 (guài, "decisive"), with 缶 suggesting a damaged vessel and 夬 mainly supplying the sound.
Usage tips
- The word works for both a physical piece and a needed resource, so naming the missing element after the verb makes everyday statements precise.