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B2 noun #6,000 most common 9 min read

不備

fubi Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不備 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 不備 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'fubi' in your own speaking yet, but you might see it on signs or websites. Think of 'fubi' as a fancy way to say 'something is missing.' If you see this word on a form you filled out, it means you need to check if you forgot to write something like your name or address. It's like the 'Error' message you see on a computer when you don't fill in a required box. Just remember: Fubi = Missing part/Not complete. In simple Japanese, you can think of it as 'dame na tokoro' (a bad part) or 'tarinai tokoro' (a part that is not enough). You will mostly see it in official places like the airport or a bank.

At the A2 level, you should recognize 'fubi' as a formal noun used in business and government. When you are at the ward office (kuyakusho), the staff might say 'shorui ni fubi ga arimasu.' This means 'There is a deficiency in the documents.' You should understand that they are asking you to fix a mistake or add missing information. You don't need to use it in casual talk with friends, but knowing it will help you navigate official situations. It is often paired with 'ga aru' (there is) or 'nai' (there isn't). For example, 'fubi wa arimasen' means 'Everything is perfect/complete.'

At the B1 level, you should start using 'fubi' in professional emails or when discussing official procedures. It is a very useful word because it sounds polite and objective. Instead of saying 'You made a mistake,' which can sound rude, saying 'There is a fubi in the document' focuses on the document itself. You should also learn common combinations like 'setsubi no fubi' (deficiencies in equipment) and 'shorui no fubi' (deficiencies in paperwork). At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'fubi' from 'machigai' (a general mistake). 'Fubi' specifically implies that something required is missing or incomplete.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'fubi' accurately in business contexts and understand its nuances in news reports. You should know that 'fubi' implies a failure to meet a specific standard or requirement. For instance, if a company is criticized for 'kanri no fubi' (management deficiency), it means their oversight was inadequate. You should also be familiar with related terms like 'fubi-kasho' (the specific part that is deficient) and be able to use the word in the passive voice, such as 'fubi o shiteki-sareru' (to have deficiencies pointed out to you). This word is essential for JLPT N2 level reading and listening comprehension.

At the C1 level, you should understand the legal and systemic implications of 'fubi.' In legal documents or high-level business contracts, 'fubi' refers to a lack of necessary provisions that could lead to liability. You should be able to discuss complex topics like 'shisutemu no kousei-jou no fubi' (structural deficiencies in a system). You should also be able to use 'fubi' in a humble way during formal apologies: 'Watakushi-domo no fubi de...' (Due to our inadequacies...). At this level, you should also know synonyms like 'mi-bi' (not yet prepared/deficient) and understand how 'fubi' differs from 'kekkan' (structural defect) and 'ochido' (fault/negligence).

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'fubi' and can use it in academic, legal, or highly technical discourse. You understand its role in administrative law, where 'shubun no fubi' might refer to deficiencies in the main text of a legal judgment. You can analyze how the word is used in corporate governance to describe 'naibu-tousei no fubi' (deficiencies in internal controls). You are also sensitive to the rhetorical use of 'fubi' in literature or high-level journalism to imply a systemic failure of society or government. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, employing it to maintain professional distance while precisely identifying gaps in logic or preparation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不備 in 30 Seconds

Fubi means 'deficiency' or 'incompleteness,' specifically when essential requirements or parts are missing.
It is most commonly used in formal business, government paperwork, and safety reports.
Grammatically, it is a noun often used with 'ga aru' (there is) or 'no' (possessive).
It differs from 'kekkan' (physical defect) and 'machigai' (general mistake) by focusing on omissions.

The Japanese word 不備 (ふび - fubi) is a formal noun that translates most accurately to 'deficiency,' 'defect,' or 'incompleteness.' While English speakers might use 'mistake' or 'error' in casual conversation, fubi specifically targets the state where necessary requirements, parts, or information are missing. It suggests that a standard has not been met because something essential was left out or handled incorrectly during the preparation stage. This word is a staple of Japanese bureaucracy, business administration, and legal contexts. When you submit a form at a government office and the clerk tells you there is a fubi, it usually means you forgot to sign a section, attached the wrong document, or left a mandatory field blank. It is less about a 'broken' physical object (though it can apply to faulty equipment) and more about a 'failure to fulfill requirements.'

Administrative Context: Used when paperwork is rejected due to missing information or incorrect formatting. It is the standard term for 'application error' on the side of the applicant.

書類に不備がありましたので、再提出をお願いします。(Shorui ni fubi ga arimashita node, saiteishutsu o onegaishimasu.)

Translation: There was a deficiency in the documents, so please resubmit them.

Beyond paperwork, fubi applies to systems and physical infrastructure. If a building's fire safety equipment is missing extinguishers or has blocked exits, it is described as having setsubi no fubi (deficiencies in equipment). In the tech world, if a software specification is missing critical logic paths, developers might point out the shiyousho no fubi (deficiencies in the specification). It carries a nuance of 'imperfection due to negligence or oversight.' Unlike 'kekkan' (defect), which often implies a dangerous or fundamental flaw in a product's manufacturing, fubi often implies a logistical or procedural gap that can be 'fixed' by adding what is missing.

Safety and Security: In reports regarding accidents, fubi is used to describe a lack of safety measures that contributed to the incident.

警備体制の不備が原因で、不審者が侵入した。(Keibi taisei no fubi ga gen'in de, fushinsha ga shinnyuu shita.)

Translation: An intruder entered due to deficiencies in the security system.

Understanding fubi is crucial for navigating life in Japan, especially when dealing with official procedures. It is a polite way for an authority figure to say 'you did this wrong' without being accusatory. By focusing on the 'deficiency' of the document rather than the 'mistake' of the person, the language maintains a professional distance. It is also used reflexively in apologies; for example, a host might apologize for the fubi (inadequacies) of their hospitality, though this is a very formal and somewhat humble expression.

The word 不備 (fubi) functions as a noun, and its most common grammatical partner is the verb aru (to be/exist). You will frequently see the pattern [Noun] + に + 不備 + がある, meaning 'There is a deficiency in [Noun].' Conversely, when everything is in order, you say 不備はない (fubi wa nai), meaning 'There are no deficiencies.'

Common Structure: Document Correction: When a document needs fixing, use 'fubi o teisei suru' (correct the deficiencies) or 'fubi o oginau' (make up for/supplement the deficiencies).

申請書の不備を修正して、もう一度窓口へ持って行った。(Shinseisho no fubi o shuusei shite, mou ichido madoguchi e motte itta.)

Translation: I corrected the deficiencies in the application form and took it back to the counter.

In more advanced or formal settings, fubi can be combined with other nouns to create compound terms. For example, 不備箇所 (fubi kasho) refers specifically to the 'deficient parts/locations' in a plan or object. 不備通知 (fubi tsuuchi) is a formal 'notice of deficiency' often sent by mail or email when an online application is rejected. Note that fubi is rarely used for personal character flaws; for that, you would use tansho (weak point) or ketten (defect/shortcoming).

When using fubi in a professional email, it is often paired with polite humble language. If you are the one who made the mistake, you might say: Watakushi no fubi de gomeiwaku o okake shimashita (I caused trouble due to my inadequacies). This shifts the blame from the person to the 'inadequacy' of the work performed, which is a common strategy in Japanese business etiquette to maintain 'wa' (harmony).

契約書の内容に不備がないか、法務部に確認を依頼した。(Keiyakusho no naiyou ni fubi ga nai ka, houmubu ni kakunin o irai shita.)

Translation: I requested the legal department to check if there are any deficiencies in the content of the contract.

Usage with 'Nado': Often seen in lists of reasons: 'Nyuryoku fubi nado' (Input deficiencies, etc.). This is very common in error messages on Japanese websites.

You will encounter 不備 (fubi) in several specific real-world environments in Japan. The most common is the **Ward Office (Kuyakusho) or City Hall (Shiyakusho)**. Whether you are registering your address, applying for health insurance, or filing taxes, the staff will use this word if your paperwork isn't perfect. You might hear: 'Kono bubun ni fubi ga arimasu' (There is a deficiency in this part). It sounds much more professional and less personal than saying 'You forgot to write your name.'

E-commerce and Banking: If you try to sign up for a Japanese credit card or bank account and your ID photo is blurry, you will receive an email titled 'Shorui fubi no oshirase' (Notice of document deficiency).

システムの不備により、一部のサービスが利用できなくなっております。(Shisutemu no fubi ni yori, ichibu no saabisu ga riyou dekinaku natte orimasu.)

Translation: Due to a system deficiency, some services are currently unavailable.

Another major area is **News and Journalism**. When a major accident occurs—like a fire in a building or a train derailment—the media will investigate whether there was a setsubi no fubi (equipment deficiency) or kanri no fubi (management deficiency). In these cases, the word carries a weight of accountability. It implies that the responsible parties failed to provide the necessary safeguards. You will often see this word in bold headlines following a corporate scandal or a safety inspection failure.

In the **Corporate World**, fubi is used during internal audits and quality control. A manager might say, 'Kono keikaku ni wa mada fubi ga ooi' (There are still many deficiencies in this plan). Here, it serves as constructive criticism, suggesting that the plan is not yet 'complete' enough to be presented to a client. It is a useful word for learners to use in business meetings to point out gaps in a proposal without directly attacking the person who wrote it.

準備の不備を指摘され、会議が延期になった。(Junbi no fubi o shiteki sare, kaigi ga enki ni natta.)

Translation: Deficiencies in the preparation were pointed out, and the meeting was postponed.

The most common mistake English speakers make with 不備 (fubi) is using it interchangeably with machigai (mistake) or misu (error). While all fubi might be mistakes, not all mistakes are fubi. If you spell a word wrong, that is a typo (uchimachigai), not necessarily a fubi. Fubi specifically implies that a **requirement** is missing. If you forget to attach a file to an email, that is a fubi. If you write the wrong date, that is a machigai.

Fubi vs. Kekkan: 'Kekkan' (欠陥) is used for 'defects' in products, like a car with faulty brakes. 'Fubi' is more for 'deficiencies' in systems or documents. You wouldn't say a car has 'fubi' unless it was missing the steering wheel entirely!

❌ この計算は不備です。
✅ この計算は間違いです。

Note: 'Fubi' isn't used for simple math errors; use 'machigai' (mistake) instead.

Another mistake is the grammatical usage. Many learners try to use it as a Na-adjective (e.g., fubi na shorui). While not entirely unheard of in some poetic or extremely formal contexts, it is almost always used as a noun with no or ga aru. You should say fubi no aru shorui (documents with deficiencies) or shorui no fubi (deficiency of the documents). Using it as a direct adjective can sound unnatural in standard business Japanese.

Finally, don't confuse fubi with fusoku (不足). Fusoku means a 'shortage' of quantity (e.g., not enough water, not enough sleep). Fubi means the 'quality' or 'completeness' of a setup is lacking. If a party has 'fubi,' it means the planning was bad; if it has 'fusoku,' it means there isn't enough beer.

To truly master 不備 (fubi), you must know how it compares to its synonyms. The Japanese language has many words for 'errors' and 'defects,' each with a specific nuance based on the context of the failure.

不備 (Fubi) vs. 欠陥 (Kekkan): **Fubi** is 'incompleteness' or 'omission' (missing a signature). **Kekkan** is a 'flaw' or 'defect' (a cracked engine block). Kekkan is much more serious and often implies a danger or a fundamental failure in manufacturing.
不備 (Fubi) vs. 不手際 (Futegiwa): **Futegiwa** means 'clumsiness' or 'bad handling' of a situation. While **fubi** describes the state of the document/system, **futegiwa** describes the poor performance of the person in charge. You apologize for your 'futegiwa' during an event.
不備 (Fubi) vs. 落度 (Ochido): **Ochido** means 'fault' or 'culpability.' It is used when determining who is to blame for a mistake. 'Fubi' is the objective state of the error; 'ochido' is the legal or moral responsibility for that error.

計画の不備 (Incompleteness of the plan)
商品の欠陥 (Defect in the product)
対応の不手際 (Clumsy handling of the response)

If you are in a casual setting, you might avoid fubi entirely. Instead, use tarinai tokoro (missing parts) or nuke (omissions). For example, 'Kono shorui, nuke ga aru yo' (This document has things missing). Fubi is strictly for formal, professional, or written contexts. Using it with friends while looking at a half-finished drawing might sound overly dramatic or stiff.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 備 (bi) actually shows a person (亻) standing next to a rack of tools or weapons, representing preparation for battle. Adding 'not' (不) makes it 'not ready for battle.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK fuːbiː

US fubi

Heiban (Flat) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Kubi (Neck) Tabi (Journey) Yubi (Finger) Gubi (Possession) Kibi (Subtlety) Sabi (Rust) Hibi (Cracks) Mibi (Incompleteness)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fu' with too much lip rounding like English 'foo'.
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Confusing 'fubi' with 'fubuki' (snowstorm).
Using a long 'i' sound at the end like 'fubee'.
Adding a 'u' sound at the end of 'bi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in formal writing and news, requiring knowledge of N2-level kanji.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct kanji usage in business emails.

Speaking 3/5

Used in specific formal situations; casual synonyms are often used instead.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation but requires context to distinguish from similar sounds.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

不 (Negative) 準備 (Preparation) 間違い (Mistake) 書類 (Document) ある (Exist)

Learn Next

欠陥 (Defect) 不手際 (Clumsiness) 補完 (Complement) 指摘 (Point out) 受理 (Acceptance)

Advanced

瑕疵 (Legal defect) 不作為 (Omission/Inaction) 齟齬 (Discrepancy)

Grammar to Know

Noun + に不備がある

この計画に不備がある。

不備による + Noun

不備による遅延。

不備のため、～できない

不備のため、受理できない。

不備がないか + Verb

不備がないか確認する。

不備のない + Noun

不備のない書類。

Examples by Level

書類に不備があります。

There is a deficiency in the documents.

Noun + に + Noun + がある

不備はありませんか？

Are there any deficiencies?

Question form of 'fubi wa nai'

不備を見つけました。

I found a deficiency.

Object + を + verb

名前がないのは不備です。

Missing a name is a deficiency.

A is B (Noun + desu)

不備を直してください。

Please correct the deficiency.

Te-form for request

ここに不備があります。

There is a deficiency here.

Locational particle 'koko ni'

不備なところはどこですか？

Where is the deficient part?

Interrogative 'doko'

不備がないようにします。

I will make sure there are no deficiencies.

Verb dictionary form + you ni suru

申請書の不備を直しました。

I fixed the deficiencies in the application form.

Possessive 'no' connects two nouns

不備のため、受理できません。

Due to deficiencies, we cannot accept it.

'No tame' indicating reason

住所に不備がありました。

There was a deficiency in the address.

Past tense 'arimashita'

不備がないか確認してください。

Please check if there are any deficiencies.

'Ka' used for embedded questions

メールに不備があったようです。

It seems there was a deficiency in the email.

'You desu' indicating appearance/likelihood

不備があれば教えてください。

If there are any deficiencies, please let me know.

Conditional 'ba' form

不備を一つずつ確認します。

I will check the deficiencies one by one.

Adverbial 'hitotsu zutsu'

不備があったので、戻ってきました。

Because there was a deficiency, it came back.

'Node' indicating cause

準備に不備があったことをお詫びします。

I apologize for the deficiencies in the preparation.

Nominalizing 'koto' with 'o-wabi'

システムの不備でデータが消えた。

Data was lost due to a system deficiency.

Particle 'de' indicating cause/means

不備を補うために、追加資料を出す。

I will submit additional materials to supplement the deficiencies.

'Tame ni' indicating purpose

契約書の不備を指摘された。

The deficiencies in the contract were pointed out.

Passive voice 'shiteki-sareru'

内容に不備がないことを保証します。

I guarantee that there are no deficiencies in the content.

Nominalizing clause with 'koto o'

不備箇所を赤ペンでチェックした。

I checked the deficient parts with a red pen.

Compound noun 'fubi-kasho'

不備通知が届いて驚いた。

I was surprised when the notice of deficiency arrived.

Compound noun 'fubi-tsuuchi'

手続きの不備は許されない。

Deficiencies in the procedure are not permitted.

Passive potential negative 'yurusarenai'

設備の不備が火災の原因となった可能性がある。

It is possible that deficiencies in the equipment caused the fire.

'Kanousei ga aru' indicating possibility

不備を修正した最新版を送付いたします。

I will send the latest version with the deficiencies corrected.

Humble 'itasu' form

不備が発覚し、プロジェクトが一時中断した。

Deficiencies were discovered, and the project was temporarily suspended.

'Hakkaku suru' (to be revealed/discovered)

管理体制の不備を徹底的に調査するべきだ。

We should thoroughly investigate the deficiencies in the management system.

'Bekida' indicating obligation

不備のない完璧な計画を立てるのは難しい。

It is difficult to create a perfect plan with no deficiencies.

Adjective-like use of 'fubi no nai'

不備を未然に防ぐためのチェックリストだ。

This is a checklist to prevent deficiencies before they occur.

'Mizen ni fusegu' (prevent beforehand)

説明不足による不備が目立っている。

Deficiencies due to lack of explanation are becoming conspicuous.

'Ni yoru' (due to) + 'medatte iru' (standing out)

不備があった場合は、速やかにご連絡ください。

In case of any deficiencies, please contact us promptly.

'Baai' (in the case of) + 'sokuyaka ni' (promptly)

法の不備を突いて、不正が行われた。

Fraud was committed by exploiting a loophole (deficiency) in the law.

'O tsuite' (exploiting/taking advantage of)

運用上の不備が、重大な事故を招いた。

Operational deficiencies led to a serious accident.

'Jou' suffix meaning 'from the standpoint of'

不備を看過した責任は重い。

The responsibility for overlooking the deficiencies is heavy.

'Kanka suru' (to overlook/ignore)

不備が散見されるため、全面的な見直しが必要だ。

Since deficiencies are seen here and there, a total review is necessary.

'Sanken sareru' (to be found here and there)

本件は、手続き上の不備により無効となった。

This case was rendered invalid due to procedural deficiencies.

'Mukou' (invalid/void)

不備を最小限に抑えるための対策を講じる。

We will take measures to minimize deficiencies.

'Taisaku o koujiru' (to take measures)

その報告書には論理的な不備が多々ある。

There are many logical deficiencies in that report.

'Tata aru' (to exist in large numbers)

不備を自認し、速やかな改善を約束した。

They acknowledged the deficiencies and promised prompt improvement.

'Jinin suru' (to acknowledge/admit to oneself)

制度的不備が社会の格差を助長している。

Institutional deficiencies are exacerbating social inequality.

'Jojo suru' (to promote/exacerbate)

不備の連鎖が、未曾有の災害を引き起こした。

A chain of deficiencies caused an unprecedented disaster.

'Mizou' (unprecedented)

契約の不備を糊塗しようとする動きがある。

There are moves to gloss over the deficiencies in the contract.

'Koto suru' (to gloss over/patch up superficially)

不備を補完するための法的枠組みを構築する。

We will construct a legal framework to complement the deficiencies.

'Hokan suru' (to complement/supplement)

不備が惹起した損害について賠償を請求する。

We will claim compensation for the damages caused by the deficiencies.

'Jakki suru' (to give rise to/cause)

不備を内在したままシステムを稼働させるリスク。

The risk of running a system while it contains inherent deficiencies.

'Naizai suru' (to be inherent/internal)

不備を糾弾する世論が日増しに強まっている。

Public opinion denouncing the deficiencies is growing day by day.

'Kyuudan suru' (to denounce/condemn)

不備の有無を精査し、厳正に対処する。

We will scrutinize the presence of deficiencies and deal with them strictly.

'Seisa suru' (to scrutinize/examine closely)

Synonyms

欠陥不十分手落ち落ち度不足

Antonyms

完璧充実完備

Common Collocations

不備がある

不備を修正する

不備を指摘する

不備を補う

不備が見つかる

不備箇所

書類不備

入力不備

準備不備

不備通知

Common Phrases

書類の不備

— Missing information or errors in paperwork.

書類の不備により、手続きが遅れています。

設備の不備

— Inadequate or missing equipment.

設備の不備が原因で事故が起きた。

管理の不備

— Failures in management or oversight.

管理の不備を厳しく批判された。

内容の不備

— Incompleteness in the actual content of a report or plan.

内容の不備を修正してください。

不備がないか確認する

— To check if everything is complete and correct.

提出前に、不備がないか確認した。

連絡の不備

— Failure to communicate necessary info.

連絡の不備で、参加者が集まらなかった。

不備を認める

— To acknowledge a deficiency.

会社側は不備を認め、謝罪した。

不備を隠す

— To hide a deficiency.

不備を隠すのは許されない。

不備を一覧にする

— To list the deficiencies.

不備を一覧にして報告する。

不備だらけ

— Full of deficiencies.

この計画は不備だらけだ。

Often Confused With

不備 vs 不足 (Fusoku)

Fusoku is about quantity (not enough). Fubi is about completeness/requirements.

不備 vs 欠陥 (Kekkan)

Kekkan is a serious structural flaw. Fubi is often a fixable procedural omission.

不備 vs 間違い (Machigai)

Machigai is any general error. Fubi is specifically a 'deficiency' in preparation.

Idioms & Expressions

"不備を突く"

— To exploit a loophole or weakness.

相手の不備を突いて有利に進める。

Strategic

"不備を糊塗する"

— To temporarily cover up or patch over a deficiency.

不備を糊塗しても解決にならない。

Literary/Formal

"不備を棚に上げる"

— To ignore one's own deficiencies while criticizing others.

自分の不備を棚に上げて人を責める。

Critical

"不備を露呈する"

— To reveal or expose a deficiency.

事件によって体制の不備が露呈した。

Formal

"不備を最小限に留める"

— To keep deficiencies to a minimum.

不備を最小限に留める努力が必要だ。

Professional

"不備を洗い出す"

— To thoroughly identify and list all deficiencies.

まずは不備をすべて洗い出そう。

Business

"不備を放置する"

— To leave a deficiency as it is without fixing it.

不備を放置すると大きな事故につながる。

Warning

"不備を補完し合う"

— To complement each other's deficiencies.

チームで不備を補完し合って進める。

Collaborative

"不備を回避する"

— To avoid deficiencies.

不備を回避するためのマニュアルを作成する。

Technical

"不備を正す"

— To correct or rectify a deficiency.

不備を正し、再出発を図る。

Formal

Easily Confused

不備 vs 不備 (Fubi)

Both mean 'bad' or 'not good.'

Fubi is 'incomplete requirements.' Fuguai is 'malfunction/glitch' (usually in machines/software).

書類の不備 (Document omission) vs. システムの不具合 (System glitch).

不備 vs 手落ち (Teochi)

Both involve missing something.

Teochi implies a personal oversight or negligence. Fubi is the objective state of the result.

私の手落ちでした (It was my oversight).

不備 vs 落ち度 (Ochido)

Both relate to errors.

Ochido is about 'blame/fault.' Fubi is about 'missing parts.'

不備が見つかったが、誰の落ち度でもない (A deficiency was found, but it's no one's fault).

不備 vs 不手際 (Futegiwa)

Both used in apologies.

Futegiwa is about 'clumsy handling.' Fubi is about 'incomplete preparation.'

不手際をお詫びします (I apologize for my clumsy handling).

不備 vs 欠落 (Ketsuraku)

Both mean missing.

Ketsuraku is often used for missing pages or missing memories; fubi is for missing requirements.

記憶の欠落 (Memory gap) vs. 書類の不備 (Document deficiency).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] に不備があります。

住所に不備があります。

不備のため、[Verb-Potential-Negative]。

不備のため、登録できません。

[Noun] の不備を修正する。

申請書の不備を修正する。

不備がないか[Verb]してください。

不備がないか確認してください。

不備を[Verb-Passive]。

不備を指摘された。

[Noun] 上の不備。

手続き上の不備。

不備を[Verb-Humble]。

不備をお詫びいたします。

不備を[Verb-Academic]。

不備を精査する。

Word Family

Nouns

不備 (Deficiency)

整備 (Maintenance/Preparation)

準備 (Preparation)

備え (Provision/Preparation)

Verbs

備える (To prepare/provide)

備え付ける (To install/furnish)

Adjectives

不備な (Deficient - rare)

備わっている (To be endowed with)

欠陥 (Defect)

不足 (Shortage)

不完全 (Incomplete)

不手際 (Clumsiness)

落ち度 (Fault)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in administrative and business settings.

Common Mistakes

Using 'fubi' for a wrong answer on a test. → Machigai (間違い)
A wrong answer isn't a deficiency in preparation; it's a mistake in knowledge.
Saying 'fubi na shorui'. → Fubi no aru shorui (不備のある書類)
Fubi is a noun, not a na-adjective. Use 'no aru' or 'no' to modify nouns.
Using 'fubi' when you mean 'not enough money'. → Fusoku (不足)
Money is a quantity. Use 'fusoku' for quantity and 'fubi' for completeness/requirements.
Confusing 'fubi' with 'fubuki'. → Fubi (Deficiency) vs. Fubuki (Snowstorm)
They sound similar but are completely different. Don't tell the clerk there is a snowstorm in your paperwork!
Using 'fubi' for a broken leg. → Kega (Injury)
Fubi is for systems and objects, not human bodies.

Tips

Use in Emails

When you find an error in someone's document, say 'Shorui ni fubi ga arimashita' to sound like a pro.

Bureaucracy

Expect to hear this word at least once if you live in Japan and deal with paperwork!

No-Particle

Remember to connect with 'no': 'Shorui no fubi' (The deficiency of the document).

Fu-Bi Bits

Think of 'Full of Bits' missing. It helps you remember the sound and meaning.

News Context

When you hear 'fubi' on the news, look for words like 'setsubi' (equipment) or 'kanri' (management).

Apologies

Use 'fubi' when apologizing for a work mistake to make it sound like a procedural gap rather than a personal fail.

Kanji Tip

The second kanji 備 is the same as in 'junbi' (preparation). This makes it easier to remember.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'fubi' for missing parts, 'kekkan' for broken parts, and 'fusoku' for not enough parts.

Official Notices

If you get a letter with '不備' in the title, open it immediately! It means your application is stuck.

Softening Tone

While 'fubi' is professional, adding 'osore-irimasu ga' (I'm sorry to trouble you, but...) before pointing it out is even better.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a soldier going into battle but he is **FU**ll of **BI**ts missing from his armor. He has a 'fubi' (deficiency) in his gear.

Visual Association

A checklist with one red circle around a missing signature.

Word Web

Shorui (Document) Setsubi (Equipment) Aru (Exists) Nai (None) Shuusei (Correction) Check (Check) Nuke (Omission) Error (Error)

Challenge

Try to find one thing in your room that has a 'fubi' (e.g., a chair with a missing screw) and describe it in Japanese.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji: 不 (fu) meaning 'not' or 'negative' and 備 (bi) meaning 'provision,' 'preparation,' or 'equipment.' It has been used in Japanese for centuries to denote a lack of readiness.

Original meaning: Not fully prepared or equipped.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Calling a person's work 'fubi' is professional but can be perceived as cold. Use 'motto yoku shitai' (want to make it better) for softer feedback.

In English, we might say 'incomplete' or 'has errors.' 'Fubi' is more formal and specific to missing requirements.

Used frequently in Japanese detective dramas (like 'Aibou') when police find a 'fubi' in a suspect's alibi. Common in news headlines regarding TEPCO or government scandals. Appears in the game 'Papers, Please' Japanese translation for document errors.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Ward Office

不備はありますか？
不備を直してください。
書類不備です。
ここに不備があります。

Business Email

不備があり申し訳ありません。
不備を修正しました。
不備箇所をご確認ください。
不備のないように努めます。

System Error Message

入力に不備があります。
不備を修正してください。
不備により送信できません。
不備が検出されました。

Safety Inspection

設備の不備が見つかった。
不備を改善する。
不備が原因の事故。
不備を指摘する。

Contract Negotiation

契約内容の不備。
不備を補完する条項。
不備がないか精査する。
不備を突かれる。

Conversation Starters

"提出した書類に不備はなかったでしょうか？ (Were there any deficiencies in the documents I submitted?)"

"この計画にはまだ不備があると思いませんか？ (Don't you think there are still deficiencies in this plan?)"

"不備通知が届いたのですが、どうすればいいですか？ (I received a notice of deficiency; what should I do?)"

"システムの不備を解決するアイデアはありますか？ (Do you have any ideas to resolve the system deficiencies?)"

"不備がないように、ダブルチェックをお願いします。 (Please double-check to ensure there are no deficiencies.)"

Journal Prompts

今日、自分の仕事や勉強で「不備」を見つけたことはありますか？それをどう直しましたか？ (Did you find any 'fubi' in your work or study today? How did you fix it?)

役所や銀行で不備を指摘された経験について書いてください。 (Write about an experience where a deficiency was pointed out to you at a ward office or bank.)

「不備のない完璧な人間」は存在すると思いますか？理由も書いてください。 (Do you think a 'perfect person without fubi' exists? Write your reasons.)

新しい製品を買ったときに不備があったら、あなたはどうしますか？ (If there was a deficiency in a new product you bought, what would you do?)

不備を減らすために、どのような工夫をしていますか？ (What kind of efforts do you make to reduce deficiencies?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. If a toy is broken, use 'kowarete iru.' If the toy came from the store and is missing a part, you could say it has a 'fubi' or 'kekkan,' but 'fubi' is very formal for a toy.

No, it is actually a polite way to point out an error in a professional setting because it focuses on the document/system rather than the person's intelligence.

It is the most common phrase using this word, meaning 'document deficiency.' It's what you hear when you forget to fill out a form correctly.

You can say 'Watakushi no fubi de...' (Due to my inadequacy/deficiency...), which is very formal and apologetic.

Yes, to describe deficiencies in specifications (shiyousho no fubi) or logic, though 'bugu' or 'fuguai' are also common.

The most direct opposite is 'kanbi' (完備), meaning 'fully equipped' or 'complete.'

No. Use 'tansho' (weak point) or 'ketten' (defect) for people. 'Fubi' is for things and systems.

It means 'the specific location/part where there is a deficiency.' Managers use this to tell staff exactly what to fix.

Because providing ID is a requirement. By not having it, your 'preparation' for the procedure was 'deficient' (fubi).

Yes, it is a key vocabulary word for the JLPT N2 exam and is frequently found in reading passages.