缺乏 quēfá to lack
to lack; to be short of
How to remember 缺乏: 缺 lack + 乏 poor = to lack.
Characters
How it is used
- To lack / be short of (esp. abstract or resources) - 缺乏经验 (quēfá jīngyàn) lack experience; 缺乏营养 lack nutrition.
- Objects are usually abstract or mass (experience, funds, confidence, water). Contrast 缺少 (quēshǎo, to be short of, more countable/concrete) and 缺 (quē, to be missing): 缺乏 is more formal and abstract.
Example sentences
- 你缺乏耐心。 Nǐ quēfá nàixīn.You're impatient.
- 他缺乏常识。 Tā quēfá chángshí.He lacks common sense.
- 她缺乏常识。 Tā quēfá chángshí.She lacks common sense.