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.
More formal than 足りない, often used in written or business contexts. It emphasizes a shortage or deficiency.
We are short-staffed.
A suffix meaning 'less than' or 'short of', often used with numbers or amounts. It is more literary or formal.
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.
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).
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.
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.
He doesn't have enough common sense. (unnatural)
I didn't have enough time, so I couldn't finish my homework.
ビタミンが不足している。
I'm lacking vitamins.
He lacks common sense.
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.
He has no sense of humor.
This room has no windows.
Means 'scarce' or 'meager', often used for resources, knowledge, or talent. It has a slightly formal or literary tone.
He is lacking in talent.
This region is short of water.
冷蔵庫に何もない。
There's nothing in the fridge.
There is no evidence.
A formal term meaning 'lacking' or 'devoid of', often used in academic or technical contexts to describe a complete absence of something necessary.
This theory lacks evidence.
He lacks cooperativeness.
That player lacks concentration.
Can also be used for personal qualities, especially in casual speech.
He lacks compassion.
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.