About
The character "缺" finds its origin in the idea of a broken earthenware vessel, structurally represented by the radical "缶" indicating pottery and the component "夬" which contributes both sound and a sense of breach or decision. Initially denoting a physical crack or flaw in ceramic objects, its meaning gradually expanded beyond material damage to encompass abstract states of insufficiency, absence, or shortfall. This semantic evolution from concrete imperfection to generalized deficiency reflects a broader pattern in linguistic development, while the character's unchanged form continues to preserve the etymological link to its tangible beginnings.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我们缺少食物。
他经常缺课。
如果你缺钱，我可以借给你。
昨天他缺勤了。
你为什么缺了这么多课？
他不缺朋友。
她既缺时间又缺钱。
由于缺乏资金，这个项目被迫暂停了。