About
The character 缺 structurally combines the semantic component 缶, denoting earthenware, with the phonetic component 夬, originating from the concrete concept of a crack or break in a pottery vessel. This initial meaning based on physical imperfection gradually extended to describe any state of incompleteness or damage, eventually broadening to encompass abstract notions of deficiency, absence, or shortage, which constitute its primary uses in modern language.
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。