En 15 segundos
- Used when a product is sold out or unavailable.
- Combines 'lack' and 'goods' for a literal meaning.
- Common in both physical stores and online shopping.
Significado
It simply means that a product is sold out or currently unavailable in a store. It is the phrase you use when you are hunting for that one specific item and find the shelf empty.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6At an electronics store
对不起，这款电脑目前缺货。
Sorry, this laptop is currently out of stock.
Texting a friend about a popular toy
我想买那个玩具，但是到处都缺货。
I want to buy that toy, but it's out of stock everywhere.
Checking stock with a supplier
原材料缺货会影响我们的生产进度。
The shortage of raw materials will affect our production schedule.
Contexto cultural
The phrase has gained massive visibility due to China's 'Taobao' and 'JD.com' culture. It is often associated with 'Hungry Marketing' (饥饿营销), where companies intentionally limit stock to drive up desire. In the fast-paced world of Chinese logistics, seeing this phrase is the ultimate disappointment for a consumer.
The 'Le' Particle
Add `了` (le) at the end (`缺货了`) to signal that the item *just* ran out. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Not for Restaurants
If a restaurant is out of a specific dish, they usually say `卖完了` (sold out) or `没有了` (don't have it) rather than `缺货`.
En 15 segundos
- Used when a product is sold out or unavailable.
- Combines 'lack' and 'goods' for a literal meaning.
- Common in both physical stores and online shopping.
What It Means
缺货 is your go-to phrase for 'out of stock.' It is short, punchy, and very common. You will see it on website buttons. You will hear it from shop assistants. It literally means the 'goods' are 'missing.' It is not just for big stores. It applies to tiny street stalls too. If they don't have it, they are 缺货.
How To Use It
You can use it as a simple statement. Just say '缺货了' to mean it has run out. You can also use it to describe a specific item. For example, '这款手机缺货' means this phone is out of stock. It is very flexible. You can use it in professional emails. You can also use it while texting a friend. It is a workhorse of the Chinese retail vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use it whenever a physical product is missing. Use it at a grocery store. Use it when shopping online. Use it in a warehouse setting. It is perfect for business meetings about supply chains. If you are a customer, ask '是不是缺货了？' to confirm. It sounds natural and direct. It saves you from long, complicated explanations.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people. If your friend is missing, they are not 缺货. Do not use it for abstract things like 'love' or 'time.' It is strictly for tangible products you can buy. Also, do not use it for food in a restaurant usually. For a dish that is finished, use 卖完了. 缺货 implies a supply chain issue, not just a busy lunch rush.
Cultural Background
In China, the rise of e-commerce made this phrase everywhere. During 'Double 11' (Singles' Day), you will see this word constantly. It carries a bit of frustration for shoppers. However, for sellers, it is a sign of high demand. Sometimes, brands use 'fake' 缺货 to create hype. This is called 'Hungry Marketing.' It makes people want the item even more.
Common Variations
You might hear 断货. This is a bit more 'dramatic.' It implies the supply has been totally cut off. 卖完了 is the most common spoken version. It just means 'sold out.' If you want to be fancy, use 供不应求. That means demand exceeds supply. But for daily life, 缺货 is your best friend.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Just remember it is specifically for 'goods' (货).
The 'Le' Particle
Add `了` (le) at the end (`缺货了`) to signal that the item *just* ran out. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Not for Restaurants
If a restaurant is out of a specific dish, they usually say `卖完了` (sold out) or `没有了` (don't have it) rather than `缺货`.
Hungry Marketing
In China, brands like Xiaomi became famous for 'Hungry Marketing' (饥饿营销), intentionally creating a `缺货` status to build hype.
Ejemplos
6对不起，这款电脑目前缺货。
Sorry, this laptop is currently out of stock.
A standard professional response from a salesperson.
我想买那个玩具，但是到处都缺货。
I want to buy that toy, but it's out of stock everywhere.
Expressing frustration about a popular item.
原材料缺货会影响我们的生产进度。
The shortage of raw materials will affect our production schedule.
Used in a formal business or manufacturing context.
打折才一分钟就缺货，大家的手速太快了！
Out of stock after just one minute of the sale; everyone's hands are too fast!
Refers to the speed of online shoppers in China.
我等了三个月，结果还是缺货。
I waited for three months, and it's still out of stock.
Shows a sense of long-term disappointment.
老板，这种水怎么缺货了？
Boss, how come this water is out of stock?
A friendly way to ask a small shop owner about an item.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence regarding a sold-out item.
这家店的口罩已经___很久了。
`缺货` refers to products being out of stock. `缺人` means short-staffed and `缺钱` means short of money.
Select the phrase that best fits an online shopping scenario.
因为物流问题，很多商品都显示___。
Logistics issues usually lead to items being 'out of stock' (`缺货`).
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Out of Stock' Expressions
Used in casual speech.
卖完了 (Mài wán le)
Standard term for all situations.
缺货 (Quē huò)
Used in business reports.
供应短缺 (Gōngyìng duǎnquē)
Where to use 缺货
Online Shopping
Item status on Taobao
Supermarket
Empty shelves
Business Meeting
Supply chain report
Texting Friends
Complaining about a sale
Banco de ejercicios
2 ejercicios这家店的口罩已经___很久了。
`缺货` refers to products being out of stock. `缺人` means short-staffed and `缺钱` means short of money.
因为物流问题，很多商品都显示___。
Logistics issues usually lead to items being 'out of stock' (`缺货`).
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 缺货 is only for physical goods. For services, you would say they are 'fully booked' or 约满了.
Yes, it is a neutral and professional term. You can say 抱歉，目前缺货 to be very polite.
缺货 implies the stock is missing from the inventory/supply chain, while 卖完了 simply means 'sold out' at that moment.
You can ask 什么时候会有货？ which means 'When will there be stock?'
No, that would be a mistake. To say someone is 'missing a brain cell' or 'crazy,' people jokingly use 缺根筋.
Yes, 缺货 is universally understood and used across all Mandarin-speaking regions.
Yes, you can say 缺货现象 to mean 'the phenomenon of stock shortage.'
You can say 这个颜色缺货 (This color is out of stock).
断货 is more extreme. It suggests the supply line is 'broken' or cut off entirely for a while.
Look for a grey button that says 暂时缺货 (Temporarily out of stock).
Frases relacionadas
卖完了
Sold out
补货
To restock
有货
In stock
断货
Out of stock (supply cut off)
