Translation guide
The English word 'lacking' can describe a deficiency, absence, or insufficiency. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on what is lacking and the context. Common approaches include using verbs like 足りない (tarinai) for insufficiency, 欠けている (kaketeiru) for missing qualities, or ない (nai) for simple absence. This guide organizes expressions by the type of 'lacking' to help learners choose the most natural option.
Expressing that something is not enough, insufficient, or falls short of a needed amount or level.
The most common and versatile way to say something is lacking in quantity or degree. It is the negative form of 足りる (tariru), meaning 'to be enough'. Used for both concrete and abstract things.
お金が足りない。
I'm short on money.
経験が足りない。
I lack experience.
時間が足りなくて、宿題を終えられなかった。
I didn't have enough time, so I couldn't finish my homework.
More formal than 足りない, often used in written or business contexts. It emphasizes a shortage or deficiency.
人手が不足している。
We are short-staffed.
ビタミンが不足している。
I'm lacking vitamins.
A suffix meaning 'less than' or 'short of', often used with numbers or amounts. It is more literary or formal.
100人足らずの参加者だった。
There were fewer than 100 participants.
Expressing that someone or something lacks a particular attribute, skill, or characteristic.
Used when something is missing an essential part or quality. It implies a flaw or incompleteness. Often used for abstract qualities like common sense, ability, or charm.
彼は常識に欠けている。
He lacks common sense.
この計画には柔軟性が欠けている。
This plan lacks flexibility.
Simple negation meaning 'does not have'. It is very common and direct, but can sound blunt. Use with care in polite conversation.
彼にはユーモアがない。
He has no sense of humor.
Means 'scarce' or 'meager', often used for resources, knowledge, or talent. It has a slightly formal or literary tone.
Stating that something is completely absent or does not exist.
The basic way to say something is not present. It is the negative form of ある (aru).
A formal term meaning 'lacking' or 'devoid of', often used in academic or technical contexts to describe a complete absence of something necessary.
この理論には証拠が欠如している。
This theory lacks evidence.
Describing a person who is deficient in a desirable trait, often used in criticism.
A common pattern meaning 'to be lacking in ~'. It is slightly formal and often used in evaluations.
彼は協調性に欠ける。
He lacks cooperativeness.
あの選手は集中力に欠ける。
That player lacks concentration.
Can also be used for personal qualities, especially in casual speech.
彼は思いやりが足りない。
He lacks compassion.
足りない (tarinai) is used when the amount or degree is insufficient, while 欠けている (kaketeiru) is used when a necessary element or quality is missing entirely. For example, お金が足りない (I don't have enough money) vs. 常識に欠けている (He lacks common sense). Using 足りない for a missing quality can sound unnatural.
彼は常識が足りない。
He doesn't have enough common sense. (unnatural)
彼は常識に欠けている。
He lacks common sense. (natural)
English often uses 'lacking' as an adjective (e.g., 'His skills are lacking'). In Japanese, it is more natural to use a verb phrase like 足りない or 欠けている rather than trying to find a single adjective equivalent.
この部屋には窓がない。
This room has no windows.
彼は才能に乏しい。
He is lacking in talent.
この地域は水が乏しい。
This region is short of water.