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B1 verb #2,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 7 دقيقة للقراءة

欠ける

At the A1 level, you might not use 'kakeru' often, but you can understand it in very simple physical contexts. Think of it as 'broken' or 'missing' for things like toys or dishes. If a piece of a puzzle is gone, or if a plate has a small break on the edge, this is 'kakeru.' It is an intransitive verb, which means the object itself is the subject. For example, 'The plate (subject) is chipped.' At this level, focus on the visual idea of a piece being gone from a hard object. It is like saying 'not perfect' because a part fell off. You might hear it when someone is cleaning or playing. Don't worry about the abstract meanings yet; just remember it for chipped cups and missing puzzle pieces.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'kakeru' to describe daily accidents and simple natural observations. You should be able to say 'The cup is chipped' (コップが欠けている) or 'A tooth is chipped' (歯が欠けた). You also begin to learn about the moon. In Japan, looking at the moon is common, and you can say 'The moon is waning' (月が欠けている). You are moving beyond just 'broken' (kowareta) to the specific 'chipped' or 'incomplete' meaning. Remember that 'kakeru' is for hard things. If you lose a button on a shirt, you usually use a different word, but if a piece of a stone wall falls off, 'kakeru' is perfect. It describes a state that you can see with your eyes.
At the B1 level, you should master both the physical and the abstract uses of 'kakeru.' This is where you learn to describe people's qualities or the lack of them. For example, 'lacking common sense' (常識に欠ける) or 'lacking consideration' (思いやりに欠ける). Notice the use of the particle 'ni' here. You also use it for missing members in a group. If one person is missing from a meeting, you can say 'One person is missing' (一人が欠けている). You should understand the difference between 'kakeru' (intransitive) and 'kaku' (transitive). 'Kakeru' describes the state of the thing that is lacking, while 'kaku' is the action of lacking something. This word is very useful for giving opinions about plans or people's behavior in a slightly more advanced way.
At the B2 level, you use 'kakeru' with nuance and precision in professional and academic settings. You will encounter it in literature to describe the moon's phases metaphorically or in business reports to point out flaws in a strategy. You should be comfortable with phrases like 'lacking in objectivity' (客観性に欠ける) or 'lacking in persuasiveness' (説得力に欠ける). At this level, you also understand the cultural significance, such as how 'chipped' items are viewed in Japanese aesthetics (like Kintsugi). You can distinguish 'kakeru' from similar formal verbs like 'ketsujo suru' (to lack) and 'fusoku suru' (to be insufficient). You use 'kakeru' when the lack is seen as a defect in a system or a character that should ideally be complete.
At the C1 level, 'kakeru' becomes a tool for nuanced expression in complex discourse. You use it to describe subtle deficiencies in philosophical arguments, legal documents, or high-level artistic critiques. You might discuss how a certain policy 'lacks legal basis' (法的根拠に欠ける) or how a piece of music 'lacks emotional depth' (情緒的な深みに欠ける). You are also aware of idiomatic expressions and the historical development of the kanji. You can use the verb in its various forms to create sophisticated sentences that imply not just a simple lack, but a fundamental failure to meet a standard of wholeness. Your understanding includes the poetic use of the waning moon as a symbol for decline or the passing of time in classical-style Japanese.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'kakeru' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You use it effortlessly in all contexts, including archaic or highly specialized ones. You might use it in a discussion about the 'waning' of political power or the 'chipping away' of social norms. You understand the most subtle differences between 'kakeru,' 'kaku,' and 'kakasenai,' and you can play with these meanings in creative writing or oratory. You recognize the word in historical texts where it might describe an eclipse or a flaw in a legendary sword. For you, 'kakeru' is not just a verb but a concept of 'the imperfect whole' that permeates Japanese thought, from the phases of the moon to the ethics of human character.
تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

欠ける في 30 ثانية

  • Physical: Chipped (plates, teeth, tools).
  • Abstract: Lacking (common sense, logic, courage).
  • Nature: Waning (moon) or eclipsed (sun).
  • Social: Missing (members, personnel, pieces).

The Japanese verb 欠ける (kakeru) is a versatile intransitive verb that primarily describes the state of being incomplete, chipped, or missing a necessary part. At its core, it suggests a deviation from a state of 'wholeness' or 'perfection.' Whether you are talking about a physical object like a ceramic bowl, a celestial body like the moon, or abstract concepts like human character and common sense, 欠ける conveys that something which should be whole is now fragmented or insufficient.

Physical Damage
Used when a piece of a hard object breaks off. Common examples include a chipped tooth, a nicked blade, or a broken rim of a coffee mug.
Celestial Cycles
Specifically used to describe the waning of the moon or an eclipse where a portion of the sun or moon appears to be missing.
Abstract Deficiencies
Applied to qualities, skills, or social graces. If someone lacks 'common sense' (常識) or 'consideration' (思いやり), this verb is the standard choice.

「この茶碗は縁が少し欠けている。」(The rim of this tea bowl is slightly chipped.)

— Example of physical breakage

In a broader sense, 欠ける is used in organizational contexts. If a member of a team is absent or a position is unfilled, we say the group is 'missing' someone. It is important to distinguish this from 足りない (tarinai), which simply means 'not enough' in terms of quantity. 欠ける implies that the absence creates a flaw in the overall structure.

「十五夜を過ぎると、月が次第に欠けていく。」(After the full moon of the 15th night, the moon gradually begins to wane.)

「彼はリーダーとしての自覚に欠けている。」(He lacks the self-awareness required of a leader.)

「パズルのピースが一つ欠けている。」(One piece of the puzzle is missing.)

「地震でビルの壁が欠けてしまった。」(The wall of the building got chipped due to the earthquake.)

Grammatical Note
As an intransitive verb (自動詞), it focuses on the state of the subject. The transitive counterpart is 欠く (kaku).

Using 欠ける (kakeru) correctly requires understanding its relationship with particles and the specific nuances of 'missingness.' Unlike the English word 'lack,' which is often a direct verb, 欠ける functions as a description of a state. It is a Ru-verb (Group 2), making its conjugation straightforward: 欠けます, 欠けて, 欠けない.

1. The Particle Choice

The most common particle used with 欠ける is が, which identifies the subject that is chipped or missing. However, when describing a lack of a specific quality, に is frequently employed to mark the 'area' of deficiency.

  • [Subject] が 欠ける: The subject itself is chipped/missing. (e.g., 皿が欠ける - The plate is chipped).
  • [Quality] に 欠ける: To be lacking in [Quality]. (e.g., 計画性に欠ける - To lack planning).

2. Physical vs. Abstract Contexts

In physical contexts, 欠ける implies damage to hard materials. You wouldn't use it for a torn shirt (that would be 破れる) or a broken electronic (that would be 壊れる). It is specifically for things that 'flake' or 'chip' off, like stone, glass, ceramic, or bone.

「コップの縁が欠けているので、危ないですよ。」(The rim of the glass is chipped, so it's dangerous.)

In abstract contexts, it is often used in performance reviews or character assessments. It carries a slightly formal or critical tone. If you say someone 常識に欠ける, you are making a definitive judgment about their social competence.

3. The Moon and Natural Phenomena

This is a poetic and scientific use. When the moon moves from full to new, it 'kakeru.' During a solar eclipse (日食), the sun 'kakeru.' This usage highlights the visual aspect of a circle becoming incomplete.

4. Social and Organizational Absence

When a seat is empty or a person is missing from a lineup, 欠ける is used to indicate a 'vacancy' or 'gap.' For example, if a team of five only has four people present, one person is 欠けている.

You will encounter 欠ける (kakeru) in a variety of settings, ranging from the kitchen to the boardroom, and even in the pages of a science textbook. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the 'feeling' of the word.

1. At Home and Restaurants

The most common everyday use is regarding tableware. In Japan, there is a high aesthetic standard for ceramics, but also a practical concern for safety. You might hear a mother tell a child, 「そのお皿、欠けてるから捨てようね」 (That plate is chipped, so let's throw it away). In a restaurant, a waiter might apologize if they serve a dish on a chipped plate, as it is considered poor service.

2. Business and Professional Evaluations

In a professional setting, 欠ける is used to describe deficiencies in projects or personnel. A manager might say a report 「具体性に欠ける」 (lacks specificity) or that a candidate 「協調性に欠ける」 (lacks cooperativeness). It is a standard way to provide constructive (or harsh) criticism regarding missing essential qualities.

「彼の説明は論理性に欠けていて、分かりにくい。」(His explanation lacks logic and is hard to understand.)

3. News and Science Reports

During astronomical events, news anchors will use this word. 「太陽が月によって欠け始めました」 (The sun has begun to be eclipsed by the moon). It is the technical term for the visual reduction of a celestial body's visible surface.

4. Literature and Song Lyrics

Because of its association with the moon and 'imperfection,' 欠ける is a favorite in Japanese literature and music. It often symbolizes a broken heart, a missing piece of one's soul, or the fleeting nature of beauty. A lyric might say 「欠けた心」 (a chipped/broken heart) to describe emotional trauma.

5. Daily Observations

You might hear it when someone notices a gap in a row of items on a shelf, or when a tooth is chipped after an accident. 「前歯が少し欠けちゃった」 (My front tooth got a bit chipped).

While 欠ける (kakeru) is a B1-level word, its similarity to other verbs and its specific transitivity can lead to common errors for learners.

1. Transitivity Confusion: 欠ける vs. 欠く

The most frequent mistake is confusing the intransitive 欠ける (to be lacking) with the transitive 欠く (to lack/to break).

  • Incorrect: 常識を欠けている (Using 'wo' with kakeru).
  • Correct: 常識に欠けている (Something is lacking in common sense).
  • Correct: 常識を欠く (To lack common sense).

2. Confusing with 'Tarinai' (足りない)

Learners often use 足りない when 欠ける is more appropriate. 足りない is about quantity (e.g., not enough money). 欠ける is about a specific piece of a whole being gone. If you have 99 pieces of a 100-piece puzzle, the puzzle is 欠けている, not just 足りない.

3. Misusing with Soft Materials

You cannot use 欠ける for things that don't 'chip.' For example, if a piece of paper is torn, you use 破れる (yabureru). If a piece of bread is missing, you might say なくなっている. 欠ける is strictly for hard, brittle objects.

「服が欠けている」(My clothes are chipped) — Wrong! Clothes don't chip. Use 「破れている」(torn).

4. Homophone Confusion

Japanese has many words pronounced 'kakeru.' 掛ける (hang/sit), 駆ける (run), 賭ける (bet). Always check the kanji context. 欠 represents a person with an open mouth, signifying a gap or lack.

To truly master 欠ける (kakeru), it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific 'flavor' of absence.

不足する (Fusoku suru)
This is a formal way to say 'to be insufficient.' It is used for resources like water, money, or sleep. Unlike 欠ける, it doesn't imply a physical chip or a missing 'piece' of a whole, but rather a lack of total volume.
足りない (Tarinai)
The most common way to say 'not enough.' It is very general. If you need 5 apples and have 3, they are 足りない. 欠ける would only be used if one of those apples had a bite taken out of it (the apple itself is chipped/incomplete).
欠如する (Ketsujo suru)
A highly formal, academic, or technical term for 'to lack.' You see this in psychology or sociology reports (e.g., 誠実性の欠如 - lack of sincerity). It is essentially the formal version of 欠けている.
損なう (Sokonau)
Meaning 'to damage' or 'to spoil.' While 欠ける describes the state of being chipped, 損なう focuses on the loss of value or health (e.g., 健康を損なう - to damage one's health).

Comparison Table

WordFocusTypical Object
欠けるIncompleteness/ChippingPlates, Moon, Common Sense
足りないInsufficient QuantityMoney, Time, Food
不足するFormal InsufficiencyResources, Manpower
欠如するAbstract AbsenceMorality, Evidence

Understanding these differences allows you to choose the word that best fits the 'type' of lack you are describing. If you want to sound more sophisticated in an essay, use 欠如. If you are talking about a broken cup, 欠ける is your only choice.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

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قواعد يجب معرفتها

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

このコップは欠けています。

This cup is chipped.

Verb in ~te imasu form to show state.

2

パズルのピースが一つ欠けている。

One puzzle piece is missing.

Ga particle marks the missing item.

3

お皿が欠けました。

The plate got chipped.

Past tense of an accidental action.

4

おもちゃの車、タイヤが欠けてるよ。

The toy car, a tire is missing.

Casual speech dropping 'i' in ~te iru.

5

この本、ページが欠けている。

This book is missing pages.

Indicates incompleteness of a set.

6

歯が欠けてしまった。

My tooth chipped (unfortunately).

~te shimau shows regret.

7

茶碗が欠けていて危ない。

The tea bowl is chipped and dangerous.

Using ~te form to connect reasons.

8

月が少し欠けています。

The moon is a bit missing (waning).

Basic use for the moon's shape.

1

昨日、大切な皿が欠けてショックだった。

Yesterday, my important plate got chipped and I was shocked.

Adverbial use of 'shokku' with the event.

2

十五夜のあと、月はだんだん欠けていく。

After the full moon, the moon gradually wanes.

~te iku shows a continuing change away from the present.

3

このセットはスプーンが一つ欠けています。

This set is missing one spoon.

Focus on the incompleteness of a collection.

4

古い石像の鼻が欠けている。

The nose of the old stone statue is chipped.

Describing damage to stone.

5

硬いものを食べて、歯が欠けた。

I ate something hard and my tooth chipped.

Cause and effect sentence.

6

壁の角が欠けてしまったので、直したい。

The corner of the wall got chipped, so I want to fix it.

Describing household damage.

7

このトランプは一枚欠けているから遊べない。

This deck of cards is missing one, so we can't play.

Logical consequence of something being missing.

8

包丁の刃が欠けてしまった。

The blade of the kitchen knife got nicked.

Specific use for metal tools.

1

彼は少し常識に欠けるところがある。

He lacks common sense in some ways.

Particle 'ni' marks what is lacking.

2

この計画は具体性に欠けている。

This plan lacks specificity.

Abstract use in a business context.

3

メンバーが一人でも欠けると、試合ができない。

If even one member is missing, we can't play the match.

Conditional 'to' used for missing people.

4

彼女の返事は誠実さに欠けていた。

Her reply lacked sincerity.

Describing character traits.

5

この文章は論理性に欠けるので、書き直してください。

This text lacks logic, so please rewrite it.

Standard feedback in academic writing.

6

勇気に欠ける行動はしたくない。

I don't want to act in a way that lacks courage.

Relative clause modifying 'koudou'.

7

その説明では説得力に欠ける。

That explanation lacks persuasiveness.

Evaluating the quality of communication.

8

欠けている情報を探す必要があります。

We need to look for the missing information.

Using the verb as an adjective.

1

この論文は客観性に欠けるという指摘を受けた。

I received feedback that this thesis lacks objectivity.

Passive voice 'shiteki wo uketa' with the lack.

2

リーダーシップに欠ける人物は、この役職には向かない。

A person who lacks leadership is not suited for this position.

Defining suitability based on lack.

3

日食で太陽が欠けていく様子を観察した。

I observed the sun being eclipsed (chipped away) during the solar eclipse.

Technical use for astronomical events.

4

彼の発言は配慮に欠けており、周囲を怒らせた。

His remarks lacked consideration and angered those around him.

Using ~te ori for formal connection.

5

その伝統芸能は、後継者が欠ける危機に瀕している。

That traditional art is facing a crisis of lacking successors.

Abstract 'missingness' in a social context.

6

このシステムは安全性に欠ける面がある。

This system has aspects that lack safety.

Evaluating technical systems.

7

美しさに欠ける建築物は、街の景観を損なう。

Buildings that lack beauty spoil the city's scenery.

Relating lack to negative consequences.

8

一丸となって取り組むには、信頼が欠けてはならない。

To work as one, trust must not be lacking.

~te wa naranai (must not).

1

彼の議論は、前提条件の妥当性に欠けていると言わざるを得ない。

I must say that his argument lacks validity in its premises.

Advanced 'iwazaru wo enai' structure.

2

その作品は技術的には完璧だが、どこか生命感に欠ける。

The work is technically perfect, but somehow lacks a sense of life.

Contrasting perfection with a specific lack.

3

法的根拠に欠ける主張は、法廷では認められない。

Claims that lack legal basis are not recognized in court.

Legal terminology.

4

現代社会において、倫理観に欠ける行為が散見される。

In modern society, acts lacking in ethics are seen here and there.

Formal 'sanken sareru' (seen occasionally).

5

万一、欠員が生じた場合は、速やかに補充する。

In the unlikely event that a vacancy (missing person) occurs, we will fill it promptly.

Using the kanji compound 'ketsuin' (vacancy).

6

月が満ち欠けする様子に、古人は諸行無常を感じた。

In the waxing and waning of the moon, the ancients felt the impermanence of all things.

Compound noun 'michikake' (waxing and waning).

7

政治的配慮に欠けるその発言は、外交問題に発展した。

That remark, lacking in political consideration, developed into a diplomatic issue.

Complex cause-effect in high-level context.

8

独創性に欠ける模倣品が市場に出回っている。

Imitations lacking originality are circulating in the market.

Describing market trends.

1

その学説は、実証的データの集積に欠けるため、信憑性に疑義が呈されている。

Because that theory lacks the accumulation of empirical data, its credibility is being questioned.

Highly formal 'gigi ga teisarete iru'.

2

美学的な統一感に欠ける都市計画は、住民の帰属意識を削ぎかねない。

Urban planning that lacks aesthetic unity could potentially erode the residents' sense of belonging.

Advanced 'kane-nai' (might happen).

3

彼の文学観は、人間存在の根源的な孤独に対する洞察に欠けている。

His view of literature lacks insight into the fundamental loneliness of human existence.

Deep abstract critique.

4

条約の解釈において、一貫性に欠ける態度は国際的な不信を招く。

In the interpretation of treaties, an attitude lacking consistency invites international distrust.

Diplomatic/Legal nuance.

5

その詩篇は、言葉の端々に繊細な感性が宿りつつも、力強さに欠ける嫌いがある。

While delicate sensitivity dwells in every word of those psalms, they have a tendency to lack strength.

Advanced 'kirai ga aru' (unfortunate tendency).

6

組織としての透明性に欠ける運営は、不祥事の温床となり得る。

Management that lacks organizational transparency can become a breeding ground for scandals.

Societal/Corporate critique.

7

古典の素養に欠ける現代人にとって、その比喩を理解するのは困難だ。

For modern people lacking a grounding in the classics, understanding that metaphor is difficult.

Describing educational background.

8

自己批判の精神に欠ける権力は、往々にして腐敗へと向かう。

Power that lacks the spirit of self-criticism often tends toward corruption.

Political philosophy.

تلازمات شائعة

常識に欠ける
月が欠ける
歯が欠ける
皿が欠ける
具体性に欠ける
誠実さに欠ける
一人が欠ける
説得力に欠ける
勇気に欠ける
計画性に欠ける

العبارات الشائعة

欠けがえのない

満ち欠け

欠けている部分

一分も欠けることなく

欠けることのできない

どこか欠けている

愛情に欠ける

客観性に欠ける

忍耐力に欠ける

協調性に欠ける

يُخلط عادةً مع

欠ける vs 足りない

欠ける vs 欠く

欠ける vs 掛ける

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

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سهل الخلط

欠ける vs

欠ける vs

欠ける vs

欠ける vs

欠ける vs

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

Moon

Standard term for waning.

Abstract

Implies a deficiency in a required standard.

Physical

Only for hard materials (ceramic, stone, metal, bone).

أخطاء شائعة
  • Using 'wo' instead of 'ga' or 'ni'.
  • Using it for soft materials like paper or cloth.
  • Confusing it with 'kaku' (transitive).
  • Confusing it with 'kakeru' (to hang).
  • Using it for general quantity (like money) instead of 'tarinai'.

نصائح

Particle Master

Remember: [Object] ga kakeru, but [Quality] ni kakeru.

Hard Objects Only

Only use it for things that can chip, like glass or teeth.

Wabi-sabi

A chipped bowl can be beautiful in Japanese aesthetics.

The Gap

The kanji 欠 looks like a gap, which helps remember 'missing'.

Softening Criticism

Saying 'ronrisei ni kakeru' sounds more professional than 'your logic is bad'.

Moon Phases

Use 'michikake' to describe the full cycle of the moon.

Context Clues

If you hear 'kakeru' in a kitchen, look for broken dishes.

Not for Quantity

Don't use it for 'not enough water'; use 'fusoku' or 'tarinai'.

Formal Synonyms

Learn 'ketsujo' to sound more academic in your writing.

Cake Gap

Think: A 'Cake' with a 'Gap' is 'Kakeru'.

احفظها

أصل الكلمة

The kanji 欠 depicts a person with an open mouth, originally suggesting a gap or a yawn. Over time, it evolved to represent any gap, lack, or incompleteness.

السياق الثقافي

Moon viewing festival where the moon's shape is celebrated.

The art of repairing chipped pottery with gold lacquer.

Serving food on a chipped plate is considered extremely rude in formal Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi).

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"最近、月が欠けていくのが綺麗ですね。"

"このレストラン、お皿が欠けていませんか？"

"仕事で一番「欠けてはいけない」ものは何だと思いますか？"

"歯が欠けたことはありますか？"

"このパズル、ピースが欠けているみたいです。"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

自分が「欠けている」と思う能力について書いてください。

大切にしていたものが欠けてしまった時の思い出を書いてください。

「欠けた月」を見て、何を感じますか？

完璧ではないけれど、欠けているからこそ美しいと思うものを紹介してください。

現代社会に欠けているものは何だと思いますか？

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, 'kakeru' is for hard objects. For a shirt, use 'yabureru' (torn).

'Kakeru' means a piece is missing from a whole or it's chipped. 'Tarinai' just means there isn't enough of something (like money).

It is a standard verb. In formal situations, you might use 'ketsujo suru' for abstract lacks.

You say 'Tsuki ga kakete iru' (月が欠けている).

Yes, to say a member is missing from a group (Hitori kakete iru).

Use 'ni', as in 'joushiki ni kakeru' (lacking common sense).

No, it is intransitive. The transitive version is 'kaku'.

If a piece of the glass actually chipped off, yes. If it's just cracked, 'hibi ga hairu' is better.

It means 'irreplaceable' (literally: something that cannot be replaced if missing).

That is a different 'kakeru' (駆ける), though the pronunciation is the same.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

محتوى ذو صلة

هل كان هذا مفيداً؟

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