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March 24, 2026
缺陷quēxiàn(que1xian4)
缺陷 (que1 xian4) refers to a defect or flaw in something, often used in contexts such as products, skills, or physical attributes. It can describe both minor imperfections and significant shortcomings, making it relevant in discussions about quality control, personal development, and health.
Frequency#6266DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions around 缺陷 can often relate to the philosophy of 'imperfect beauty' (不完美的美), which is reflected in art and aesthetics. Recognizing flaws is seen as essential for growth and improvement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beautiful piece of pottery that has a visible crack, representing the 缺 (que1) 'lack' or 'absence' of perfection. The character defect (缺陷) combines the radical for 'lack' (缺) with 'flaw' (陷), creating a visual of something that is not whole.
Meanings of 缺陷
quēxiàn(que1xian4)
1defect
2flaw
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 缺陷
缺陷Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6266Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 缺陷
Podcast: 缺陷
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AI Study Notes for 缺陷
Quick Contrast
缺点 (quēdiǎn) refers specifically to a disadvantage or shortcoming, often in a more subjective context, while 缺陷 (quēxiàn) implies a more objective defect or flaw.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful piece of pottery that has a visible crack, representing the 缺 (que1) 'lack' or 'absence' of perfection. The character defect (缺陷) combines the radical for 'lack' (缺) with 'flaw' (陷), creating a visual of something that is not whole.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 缺陷 with 失误 (shi1 wu4), which refers to a mistake rather than a defect. This term is typically used in a neutral or formal register, especially in professional contexts. Be cautious with tone; ensure the second character is pronounced with a falling tone (xian4).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 缺陷 connects with other advanced vocabulary relating to quality and evaluation, such as 完美 (wan2 mei3, perfect) and 改进 (gai3 jin4, improve). Focus on understanding its use in both technical and everyday contexts to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions around 缺陷 can often relate to the philosophy of 'imperfect beauty' (不完美的美), which is reflected in art and aesthetics. Recognizing flaws is seen as essential for growth and improvement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 缺陷 with 错误 (cuo4 wu4), which means 'error.' For example, saying '他的缺陷是错误' (His defect is an error) is incorrect; it should be '他的缺陷是缺少经验' (His defect is a lack of experience).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缺陷
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Grammar Patterns of 缺陷
缺陷 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
某厂家由于疏忽，制造并销售了一款刹车系统存在____的汽车。
A manufacturer negligently made and marketed a car with defective brakes.
A manufacturer negligently made and marketed a car with defective brakes.
2
尽管有缺陷，这部电影还是迅速成为了一部经典作品。
jìn guǎn yǒu quē xiàn， ， zhè bù diàn yǐng huán shì xùn sù chéng wéi le yī bù jīng diǎn zuò。
For all its faults, the film instantly became a classic.
3
人的感知具有高度缺陷，而且天性主观。
rén de gǎn zhī jù yǒu gāo dù quē xiàn， ， ér qiě tiān xìng zhǔ。
Human perception is highly imperfect and by definition subjective.
4
一些有听障的儿童可能需要花更大的力气来克服这一缺陷。
yī xiē yǒu tīng zhàng de ér tóng kě néng xū yào huā gēng dà de lì qì lái kè fú zhè yī quē xiàn。
Some hearing-impaired children may work harder to overcome their handicap.
Cultural Notes for 缺陷
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions around 缺陷 can often relate to the philosophy of 'imperfect beauty' (不完美的美), which is reflected in art and aesthetics. Recognizing flaws is seen as essential for growth and improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions about 缺陷
You could say, '这个产品的质量有一些缺陷' (This product has some defects).
No, 缺陷 can refer to flaws in skills, judgment, and even character, not just physical attributes.
缺陷 refers to a defect or flaw, while 缺少 means 'to lack' or 'to be short of' something.
