Translation guide
How to express that something is not enough in Japanese, covering formal, casual, and nuanced situations.
Expressing that an amount, number, or level is insufficient.
Expressing that something is lacking in quality, skill, or effectiveness.
Expressing that something is not enough to achieve a specific goal.
Pattern meaning 'not enough for ~'. Attach to a noun or verb phrase indicating the purpose.
生活するには足りない収入。
An income insufficient to live on.
足りない is casual and versatile. 不足 is more formal and often used in compound nouns (e.g., 水不足 water shortage). 不十分 emphasizes inadequacy against a standard, often used in evaluations.
水不足が深刻だ。
The water shortage is serious.
準備が不十分だった。
The preparation was insufficient.
In everyday conversation, 足りない is much more natural. Using 不十分 can sound stiff or overly critical.
時間が足りない。
There isn't enough time.
More formal than 足りない. Often used in written or business contexts to indicate a shortage or deficiency.
人手が不足している。
We are short-staffed.
資金が不足している。
Funds are insufficient.
Means 'insufficient' or 'inadequate', emphasizing that something does not meet the required standard. Often used as a な-adjective.
その説明は不十分だ。
That explanation is insufficient.
対策が不十分だった。
The measures were inadequate.
Used for both quantity and quality. Here it emphasizes inadequacy in meeting a standard.
彼の努力は不十分だった。
His efforts were insufficient.
Expresses a feeling that something is lacking or not quite satisfying. Often used for experiences, meals, or performances.
この料理はちょっと物足りない。
This dish is a bit lacking (in flavor/substance).
映画の結末が物足りなかった。
The movie's ending was unsatisfying.
A score not high enough to pass.
Formal pattern for 'insufficient for ~'. Used in reports or official contexts.
需要に不足している供給。
Supply that is insufficient for demand.