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不足
bùzú
insufficient
我们的资源不足。
Our resources are insufficient.
formal
not enough in quantity or degree; inadequate
食物不足会影响健康。
Insufficient food intake affects health.
他的努力还不足以完成任务。
His efforts are not yet sufficient to complete the task.
Often used in formal or written contexts, such as reports, academic writing, or official statements.
formal
shortage; deficiency
这种商品现在供不应求，存在严重不足。
This product is in short supply, with a severe shortage.
Refers to a lack of something needed, often in a supply-demand context.
formal
to be short of; to lack
他不足三岁。
He is less than three years old.
Used in time expressions to indicate 'less than' a certain amount.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
'不足' is often confused with '不够' (not enough) or '缺乏' (lack). While '不够' is more colloquial, '不足' is formal and widely used in written contexts. For example, '资源不足' (insufficient resources) is more formal than '资源不够'.
Gold Rule
When to Use '不足'
Use '不足' when describing a formal or official shortage, deficiency, or inadequacy. It is less common in casual conversation compared to '不够'.
Word Origin
The character '不' means 'not' and '足' means 'enough' or 'sufficient'. Combined, they form a word expressing inadequacy or deficiency, dating back to classical Chinese.
Usage Notes
In modern Chinese, '不足' is commonly used in both written and spoken language to describe a lack of something. It can function as an adjective ('insufficient'), a verb ('to lack'), or a noun ('shortage'). In time expressions, it means 'less than'.
Word Breakdown
不
not
prefix足
enough; sufficient
root汉英词典