Translation and Meaning of: 乏しい - toboshii

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 乏しい (toboshii) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: toboshii

Kana: とぼしい

Type: adjective

L: jlpt-n1

乏しい

Translation / Meaning: scarce; limited; needy; without money; with financial difficulties; insufficient; poor.

Meaning in English: meagre;scarce;limited;destitute;hard up;scanty;poor

Definition: having fewer things. What is missing.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (乏しい) toboshii

A expressão 「乏しい」 (toboshii) is an interesting and frequently used word in the Japanese language to describe lack or scarcity. Etymologically, 「乏」 is a Kanji that conveys the idea of scarcity or lack, and it is part of compositions that suggest insufficiency or deficiency. This Kanji can be broken down into its elements or radicals, where one can perceive the pictographic root of simplicity and absence, further reinforcing its central meaning of deficiency.

The word 「乏しい」 is commonly used to describe situations where there is a lack of material resources, such as money or supplies, but it can also apply to the scarcity of intangible qualities, such as emotions or skills. For example, a person may be described as 「経験が乏しい」 (keiken ga toboshii), indicating that they have little experience. This versatility makes the word a powerful tool in everyday communication, allowing Japanese speakers to express complex ideas in a concise and precise manner.

Historically, the use of 「乏しい」 can be traced in ancient literary texts where society often faced periods of scarcity, whether due to natural disasters, wars, or economic instabilities. The use of the word thus carries not only a factual meaning of lack but also a historical record of battles faced by past generations. This historical aspect gives the word a rich connotation that transcends its immediate definition, imbuing it with cultural and emotional depth.

Synonyms and similar words

不足している (fusoku shite iru) - In a state of deficiency or scarcity.
貧弱な (hinjaku na) - Poor or weak; indicates a quality or deficient condition.
不十分な (fujūbun na) - Inadequate or insufficient; does not meet the necessary requirements.
乏しい (toboshii) - Poor; lacking resources or quality.
欠乏している (ketsubō shite iru) - In a state of lack or severe deficiency.
不足な (fusoku na) - Indicates a condition of disability or insufficiency.
無い (nai) - Not available or is absent.
少ない (sukunai) - Little; amount below the desired.
足りない (tarinai) - Insufficient; it is not enough for what is required.
不充分な (fujūbun na) - Similar to 不十分な, it indicates that something is not complete or satisfactory.
不足分の (fusoku bun no) - Missing or insufficient part.
不足気味の (fusoku gimi no) - Tendency towards insufficiency; almost insufficient.
不足感のある (fusoku kan no aru) - Feeling of lack or need.
不足量の (fusoku ryō no) - Quantity that is lacking or insufficient.
不足状態の (fusoku jōtai no) - State of insufficiency or deficiency.
不足状況の (fusoku jōkyō no) - Condition of insufficiency or situation of need.
不足事項の (fusoku jikō no) - Missing questions or items.
不足箇所の (fusoku kasho no) - Places or areas where there is insufficiency.
不足要素の (fusoku yōso no) - Missing elements.
不足原因の (fusoku gen'in no) - Causes of insufficiency.
不足対策の (fusoku taisaku no) - Measures to cope with insufficiency.
不足改善の (fusoku kaizen no) - Improvements to correct the insufficiency.
不足解消の (fusoku kaishō no) - Resolution of insufficiency.
不足補充の (fusoku hojū no) - Refueling or supplementing the insufficiency.
不足補完の (fusoku hokan no) - Supplement to make up for the deficiency.
不足補充策の (fusoku hojū saku no) - Strategies to replenish what is lacking.