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March 24, 2026
缺少quēshǎo(que1shao3)
缺少 (que1 shao3) means to lack or be in short supply of something. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a deficiency in physical items, qualities, or even abstract concepts such as time or energy.
Frequency#4931DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the concept of 缺少 is often tied to the value placed on communal support and resource sharing. For example, during festivals, families may feel the 缺少 of loved ones who cannot return home.
Memory Tip
Imagine a character named 'Que' who is always short on supplies. The '缺' (que) part looks like an open box, symbolizing something that is missing, while '少' (shao) represents a small quantity, reminding you of a shortage. Together, they depict a situation where Que is lacking what he needs.
Meanings of 缺少
quēshǎo(que1shao3)
1lack
2shortage of
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About 缺少
缺少Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4931Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 缺少
Podcast: 缺少
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AI Study Notes for 缺少
Quick Contrast
缺乏 (quēfá) — use 缺少 for a more general sense of lacking, while 缺乏 often implies a more serious deficiency.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a character named 'Que' who is always short on supplies. The '缺' (que) part looks like an open box, symbolizing something that is missing, while '少' (shao) represents a small quantity, reminding you of a shortage. Together, they depict a situation where Que is lacking what he needs.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 缺少 with 需要 (xiāo yào), which means to need rather than to lack. 缺少 is generally used in more formal contexts, while 需要 can be used informally. Common collocations include 缺少资金 (lack of funds) and 缺少时间 (lack of time).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 缺少 connects well with other vocabulary related to needs and wants, such as 需要 (need) and 忧虑 (worry). Focus on its usage in sentences to grasp its meaning and context in everyday conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the concept of 缺少 is often tied to the value placed on communal support and resource sharing. For example, during festivals, families may feel the 缺少 of loved ones who cannot return home.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 缺少 to mean 'need', such as saying '我缺少水' when they really mean 'I need water'. The correct phrase for 'need' is 需要 (xiāo yào).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缺少
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Grammar Patterns of 缺少
缺少 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese society, the concept of 缺少 is often tied to the value placed on communal support and resource sharing. For example, during festivals, families may feel the 缺少 of loved ones who cannot return home.
Frequently Asked Questions about 缺少
You can say, '我们缺少时间完成这个项目' (We lack the time to complete this project).
Yes, 缺少 is appropriate for both spoken and written contexts, though it might sound more formal in casual conversation.
Yes, you can use 缺少 to describe emotional shortages, such as '他缺少安全感' (He lacks a sense of security).
