稀缺
xīquē
The English word 'scarce' is translated into Chinese as 稀缺 (xīquē).
稀缺 is used to describe things that are in low supply or limited in quantity. It is most commonly used in formal or economic contexts, such as when referring to 稀缺资源 (scarce resources).
Meaning: rare, in low supply (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of two parts: 稀, which means rare or sparse and 缺, which means to lack or be short of.
Which one should you use?
While 稀缺 is an adjective meaning 'scarce', the word 缺少 should be used if you mean the verb 'to lack' or 'to be short of'. Additionally, 短缺 is specifically used to describe a shortage or scarcity of specific goods or resources.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong Cantonese, the term 稀貴 is commonly used to describe something that is scarce or rare.
How do you pronounce it?
xīquē
Did you know?
- The character 缺 is a pictograph showing a piece missing from a whole, which is why it is used both for economic scarcity and for a 'gap' in a fence or a 'missing' tooth.
- The character 稀 in 稀缺 also means 'dilute' when used in the context of liquids, such as 'diluted soup'.
- While 稀缺 is used for resources, the word 罕见 is used for things that are 'rare' in the sense of being unusual or extraordinary, such as a rare disease or a rare talent.
Examples in context
- 在这个经济危机时期，工作机会变得越来越稀缺。During this economic crisis, job opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce.
- 近年来，许多地区都面临水资源短缺的问题。In recent years, many regions have faced the issue of water shortage.
- 这幅画是一件非常稀有的艺术品。This painting is a very rare piece of artwork.
- 现在的资源非常稀缺。Xiànzài de zīyuán fēicháng xīquē.Resources are very scarce nowadays.
- 这种稀缺资源很难买到。Zhè zhǒng xīquē zīyuán hěn nán mǎi dào.This kind of scarce resource is hard to buy.
- 水资源在沙漠中很稀缺。Shuǐ zīyuán zài shāmò zhōng hěn xīquē.Water resources are scarce in the desert.
Example conversation
A discussion about the economy at a coffee shop.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen现在的原材料非常稀缺。Xiànzài de yuáncáiliào fēicháng xīquē.Raw materials are very scarce right now.
- 伟 Wei是的，所以成本增加了。Shì de, suǒyǐ chéngběn zēngjiā le.Yes, so the costs have increased.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，你觉得会好转吗？Wěi, nǐ juéde huì hǎozhuǎn ma?Wei, do you think it will improve?
- 伟 Wei很难说，目前情况很严峻。Hěn nán shuō, mùqián qíngkuàng hěn yánjùn.It's hard to say, the current situation is quite severe.
