It describes a situation where the quality or quantity falls short of the required standard.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when something fails to meet required standards or quantity.
- Commonly used in formal reports and critical feedback.
- Indicates a gap between current state and expected goal.
Overview
- 1概要：不十分は「十分ではない」ことを表す否定的な形容動詞です。単に「足りない」だけでなく、あるべき水準や期待された成果に届いていないという評価的なニュアンスを含みます。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する場合は「不十分な～」、述語として使う場合は「～は不十分だ」「～が不十分である」という形をとります。また、程度を強調する「極めて不十分」「かなり不十分」といった副詞と組み合わせて使われることも多いです。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスの報告書や評価、日常生活での準備不足、学術的な分析の欠陥など、フォーマルから日常会話まで幅広く使用されます。「証拠が不十分」「説明が不十分」といった表現は特によく用いられます。4) 類語比較：『足りない』は日常的で物理的な不足にも使われますが、『不十分』はより客観的で、あるべき基準との比較という側面が強いです。『不完全』は「完成していない」ことに焦点があり、『不十分』は「量や質の不足」に焦点があります。
Examples
説明が不十分で、理解できませんでした。
everydayThe explanation was insufficient, and I couldn't understand.
証拠が不十分なため、起訴を見送った。
formalDue to insufficient evidence, the indictment was dropped.
睡眠が不十分だと健康に悪い。
informalLack of sleep is bad for your health.
このデータは統計学的に見て不十分である。
academicThis data is statistically insufficient.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
不十分な点
Points that are insufficient
極めて不十分
Extremely insufficient
不十分と言わざるを得ない
Must say it is insufficient
Often Confused With
Refers to something that is not finished or lacks parts. 'Fujubun' focuses on the amount or quality not meeting a standard.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Fujubun is a versatile word used in both professional and casual settings. It carries a slightly evaluative tone, suggesting that a specific benchmark has not been met. It is often used when requesting improvements or explaining why a process failed.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it interchangeably with 'tarinai'. While similar, 'fujubun' is more formal and analytical. Avoid using it to describe physical hunger; 'onaka ga suite iru' is better for that.
Tips
Focus on the gap to the standard
Think of 'fujubun' as a gap between what you have and what you need. It implies an evaluation of quality rather than just a simple count.
Be careful with critical tone
Calling someone's work 'fujubun' can sound harsh. Use it carefully when providing feedback to colleagues or subordinates.
High-context communication nuance
In Japanese culture, saying something is 'fujubun' is a polite way to point out a mistake without using direct words like 'wrong' or 'bad'.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '不' (not) and '十分' (enough/sufficient). It is a standard Sino-Japanese compound.
Cultural Context
In Japanese business culture, 'fujubun' is often used as a soft way to critique work. It allows the speaker to focus on the 'lack of sufficiency' rather than the 'failure of the person'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Fu' (not) and 'Jubun' (enough). It literally means 'not enough' to reach the goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「足りない」は日常会話で物理的な不足（お金、時間など）にも使われます。「不十分」はより客観的で、評価や判断が含まれる文脈で使われることが多いです。
使えますが、相手の成果物や説明を批判する意味になるため、注意が必要です。「不十分ですので修正をお願いします」のように、改善を求める文脈で使われます。
対義語は「十分」です。期待されるレベルに達していることを意味します。
いいえ、形容動詞なので動詞としては使えません。動詞として表現したい場合は「不足する」や「満たさない」を使います。
Test Yourself
準備が___ため、計画の開始を延期することにした。
理由を表すため、形容動詞の連用形である「不十分で」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes a situation where the quality or quantity falls short of the required standard.
- Used when something fails to meet required standards or quantity.
- Commonly used in formal reports and critical feedback.
- Indicates a gap between current state and expected goal.
Focus on the gap to the standard
Think of 'fujubun' as a gap between what you have and what you need. It implies an evaluation of quality rather than just a simple count.
Be careful with critical tone
Calling someone's work 'fujubun' can sound harsh. Use it carefully when providing feedback to colleagues or subordinates.
High-context communication nuance
In Japanese culture, saying something is 'fujubun' is a polite way to point out a mistake without using direct words like 'wrong' or 'bad'.
Examples
4 of 4説明が不十分で、理解できませんでした。
The explanation was insufficient, and I couldn't understand.
証拠が不十分なため、起訴を見送った。
Due to insufficient evidence, the indictment was dropped.
睡眠が不十分だと健康に悪い。
Lack of sleep is bad for your health.
このデータは統計学的に見て不十分である。
This data is statistically insufficient.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
