Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
缺乏quēfá(que1fa2)
缺乏 (que1 fa2) means to lack or to be in short supply of something. It can refer to both tangible items, such as resources or materials, as well as intangible qualities, such as skills or knowledge. This term is often used to express a deficiency that needs to be addressed.
Frequency#3600DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, discussions about 缺乏 often revolve around resources, especially in the context of economic growth where certain areas may be lacking in development. This term is commonly used in education to highlight gaps in knowledge or skills.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to build a house but discovering that they 缺乏 (que1 fa2) tools. The left part of the character (缺) looks like a roof, suggesting something is missing from above. The right part (乏) resembles a person feeling weak or tired, symbolizing a lack of strength or resources.
Meanings of 缺乏
quēfá(que1fa2)
1to lack
2to be short of
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 缺乏
缺乏Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3600Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 缺乏
Podcast: 缺乏
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 缺乏
Quick Contrast
缺少 (quēshǎo) — use 缺乏 for a broader context of deficiency, while 缺少 often implies a more immediate or specific absence.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person trying to build a house but discovering that they 缺乏 (que1 fa2) tools. The left part of the character (缺) looks like a roof, suggesting something is missing from above. The right part (乏) resembles a person feeling weak or tired, symbolizing a lack of strength or resources.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 缺乏 in contexts where 'lack' is not appropriate, such as emotional states. It is often used in formal contexts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Collocations include 缺乏资金 (lack of funds) or 缺乏经验 (lack of experience).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 缺乏 can be related to other vocabulary around deficiency or insufficiency, such as 不够 (not enough) and 需要 (to need). Students should focus on using it in sentences to express needs or shortages effectively.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, discussions about 缺乏 often revolve around resources, especially in the context of economic growth where certain areas may be lacking in development. This term is commonly used in education to highlight gaps in knowledge or skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 缺乏 with 缺少, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying '我缺少经验' (I lack experience) is correct, but using 缺乏 in the same context can sound overly formal or incorrect. The more suitable term in casual conversation is 缺少.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缺乏
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 缺乏 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 缺乏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 缺乏
缺乏 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 4 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.
When problems arise, whether due to lack of experience or insufficient preparation, in any case we need to reflect seriously.
Example Sentences for 缺乏 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这部小说的各部分之间缺乏连贯性。
zhè bù xiǎo shuō de gè bù fēn zhī jiān quē fá lián guàn xìng。
The various elements of the novel fail to cohere.
2
女性误以为是考虑不周的事情往往只是缺乏自信。
nǚ xìng wù yǐ wéi shì kǎo lǜ bù zhōu de shì qíng wǎng wǎng zhī shì quē fá zì xìn。
What women mistake as thoughtlessness is often just diffidence.
3
摇滚乐自从朋克乐以后就已经过于商业化而缺乏新意了。
yáo gǔn lè zì cóng péng kè lè yǐ hòu jiù yǐ jīng guò yú shāng yè huà ér quē fá xīn yì le。
Rock'n'roll has become so commercialised and safe since punk.
4
他对国际事务缺乏经验且无知，这很让我吃惊。
tā duì guó jì shì wù quē fá jīng yàn qiě wú zhī， ， zhè hěn ràng wǒ chī。
I was alarmed by his naivety and ignorance of international affairs.
5
不过，缺乏的是一种内在的艺术凝聚力。
bù guò， ， quē fá de shì yī zhǒng nèi zài de yì shù níng jù。
What is missing, however, is an internal, artistic cohesion.
6
我们越来越反感他益发无趣又缺乏见地的言论。
wǒ mén yuè lái yuè fǎn gǎn tā yì fā wú qù yòu quē fá jiàn dì de yán lùn。
We became increasingly fed up with his increasingly unfunny and unintelligent comments.
7
你提出的论点很好，但整篇文章缺乏呼应连贯。
nǐ tí chū de lùn diǎn hěn hǎo， ， dàn zhěng piān wén zhāng quē fá hū yīng lián。
The points you make are fine, but the whole essay lacks coherence.
8
很多人认为是他的腼腆和缺乏安全感拖了他的后腿。
hěn duō rén rèn wéi shì tā de miǎn tiǎn hé quē fá ān quán gǎn tuō le tā de hòu tuǐ。
Many believe it was his shyness and insecurity which let him down.
9
虐待儿童案件常常没人举报，或者为缺乏相关知识的公民所忽略。
nüè dài ér tóng àn jiàn cháng cháng méi rén jǔ bào， ， huò zhě wéi quē fá xiāng guān zhī shí de gōng mín suǒ hū。
Cases of child abuse often go unreported or ignored by uninformed citizens.
10
他就是缺乏那多一点的活力。
tā jiù shì quē fá nà duō yī diǎn de huó lì。
He just lacked that extra zing.
Cultural Notes for 缺乏
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, discussions about 缺乏 often revolve around resources, especially in the context of economic growth where certain areas may be lacking in development. This term is commonly used in education to highlight gaps in knowledge or skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about 缺乏
No, it's more appropriate for tangible or skill-related deficiencies.
Yes, 缺乏 is typically used in more formal contexts compared to 不足, which can be used casually.
Synonyms include 不足 (bùzú) and 缺少 (quēshǎo), but their usage might differ slightly.
