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栄養不足

B1 noun 11 min read

栄養不足

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 栄養不足 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 栄養不足 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Eiyō-busoku' means you are not eating enough 'good things' like vegetables and fruit. Think of it as 'not enough vitamins.' You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Yasai ga sukunai desu. Eiyō-busoku desu.' (Not many vegetables. It is a nutrient deficiency.) At this stage, focus on the Kanji—the first two characters (栄養) are for 'nutrition' and the last two (不足) are for 'not enough.' You will often see 'busoku' used with other words like 'suimin-busoku' (lack of sleep). Just remember: Eiyō + Busoku = Bad for health because you didn't eat your carrots!

For A2 learners, 'Eiyō-busoku' becomes a useful word to describe why you feel tired or why your skin looks bad. You can start using the particle 'ni' with 'naru' (to become). For example, 'Eiyō-busoku ni narimashita' (I became nutrient deficient). You should also learn the opposite: 'Eiyō ga tappuri' (full of nutrition). At this level, you might hear a doctor say this word during a simple checkup. You should understand that it is a noun and can be used to describe a person's condition. Try to recognize the word in health posters or on food packaging that says 'Eiyō-busoku no kata ni' (For those with nutrient deficiency).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'Eiyō-busoku' in more complex sentences and understand its social context. You can use it to talk about the 'modern lifestyle' (gendai no seikatsu). You might say, 'Isogashii node, eiyō-busoku ni nari-yasui desu' (Because I'm busy, I easily become nutrient deficient). You should also start using collocations like 'Eiyō-busoku o解消する (kaishō suru - to resolve)' and 'Eiyō-busoku o補う (oginau - to supplement).' You should also distinguish it from 'Eiyō-shitchō' (severe malnutrition). Understanding that 'Eiyō-busoku' is often a result of 'Henshoku' (picky eating) is also expected at this level.

B2 learners should use 'Eiyō-busoku' in professional or academic discussions about health and society. You can talk about 'Mansei-teki-na eiyō-busoku' (chronic nutrient deficiency) or 'Shinkoku-na eiyō-busoku' (serious nutrient deficiency). You should be comfortable using the word in the passive voice or causative forms, such as 'Eiyō-busoku ga hinketsu o hikikosu' (Nutrient deficiency triggers anemia). You should also understand its use in news reports regarding global food security. At this level, you are expected to know that 'eiyō' is not just 'food' but the specific components like protein and vitamins. You might also encounter the term 'Senzai-teki eiyō-busoku' (latent nutrient deficiency).

At the C1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'Eiyō-busoku' and 'Tei-eiyō' (undernutrition), especially in the context of Japan's aging society. You should be able to discuss the socio-economic factors that lead to 'eiyō-busoku' in developed nations, such as the 'double burden of malnutrition.' You can use the word in formal writing, perhaps in a thesis or a business proposal for a health-tech company. You should also recognize the word in classical literature or older medical texts as 'Jiyō-busoku.' Your usage should include complex grammar like 'Eiyō-busoku ni ochiiru koto naku' (without falling into a state of nutrient deficiency).

C2 mastery involves understanding the biochemical and philosophical implications of 'Eiyō-busoku.' You can discuss how 'eiyō-busoku' at a cellular level affects long-term cognitive health or national productivity. You should be able to debate the ethics of food distribution using this term and understand its use in high-level government white papers (Kōsei-rōdō-hakusho). You can use the word with absolute precision, distinguishing it from 'fura-iru' (frailty) in the elderly or 'shokuryō-fuan' (food insecurity). Your vocabulary should include highly specific compounds like 'biryō-eiyōso-busoku' (micronutrient deficiency) and how it relates to the broader 'eiyō-busoku' umbrella.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

栄養不足 in 30 Seconds

栄養不足 (Eiyō-busoku) means 'nutrient deficiency' or 'malnutrition' in Japanese, used for both minor health concerns and serious clinical conditions.
It is a compound of 'Eiyō' (nutrition) and 'Busoku' (lack), often appearing in medical, fitness, and lifestyle contexts.
Commonly used with verbs like 'naru' (become) or 'ochiiru' (fall into), and modified by adjectives like 'shinkoku' (serious).
Essential for discussing health habits, dieting, and global food security issues in a Japanese-speaking environment.

The Japanese term 栄養不足 (えいようぶそく - Eiyō-busoku) is a critical compound noun that describes a state where the body is not receiving sufficient nutrients to function optimally. This word is ubiquitous in health-conscious Japan, appearing in medical, social, and daily lifestyle contexts. It is formed by combining 栄養 (Eiyō), meaning 'nutrition,' with 不足 (Busoku), meaning 'insufficiency' or 'lack.' Unlike the more severe medical term 'Eiyō-shitchō' (malnutrition), which often implies clinical starvation, 'Eiyō-busoku' is frequently used to describe modern dietary imbalances where someone might be eating enough calories but lacks specific vitamins or minerals.

Daily Life Usage: In everyday conversation, Japanese people use this word to express concern about their own or others' eating habits. For example, if a student lives alone and eats only instant ramen, their parents might warn them about 栄養不足. It is a gentle but firm way to address poor health choices.

最近、忙しくて外食ばかりなので、栄養不足が心配です。(I've been so busy lately and eating out all the time, so I'm worried about nutrient deficiency.)

The term is also prevalent in the fitness and beauty industry. Magazines often discuss how 栄養不足 can lead to skin problems, hair loss, or fatigue. It is not just about hunger; it is about the quality of the fuel provided to the body. This distinction is vital for learners to understand: you can be overweight and still suffer from 栄養不足 if your diet lacks essential micronutrients.

Medical Context: In a clinical setting, a doctor might use this term to explain the cause of anemia or weakened immunity. It serves as a diagnosis that requires dietary intervention rather than just medication.

血液検査の結果、鉄分が足りず栄養不足の状態にあることがわかりました。(The blood test results showed a state of nutrient deficiency due to a lack of iron.)

Furthermore, the word is used in global discussions. When Japanese news outlets report on humanitarian crises or famine in other countries, they use 栄養不足 to describe the lack of food security. It bridges the gap between a personal health concern and a global human rights issue. In these contexts, it is often paired with 'shinkoku-na' (serious) or 'mansei-teki-na' (chronic).

Social Implication: The term is often linked to 'kodomo no hinkon' (child poverty) in modern Japan. Even in a developed nation, children may suffer from 栄養不足 if their families cannot afford fresh produce, leading to the rise of 'Kodomo Shokudō' (Children's Cafeterias).

世界中には、今もなお栄養不足で苦しんでいる子供たちが大勢います。(There are still many children around the world suffering from malnutrition.)

In summary, 栄養不足 is a versatile, essential word for discussing health, diet, and social welfare. It covers everything from a simple lack of vegetables in a lunch box to life-threatening starvation in war zones. By mastering this word, learners can participate in deep conversations about well-being and social justice in Japanese.

Using 栄養不足 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations. In Japanese, nouns describing a state often pair with the particle 'ni' and the verb 'naru' (to become) or 'ochiiru' (to fall into). This section will guide you through the structural nuances of the word.

Common Verb Pairings: The most common way to describe a person's condition is using 栄養不足になる (to become nutrient deficient) or 栄養不足に陥る (to fall into a state of malnutrition). The latter is more formal and often used in medical or journalistic writing.

極端なダイエットは、深刻な栄養不足を招く恐れがあります。(Extreme dieting may lead to serious nutrient deficiency.)

When you want to describe something as being caused by a lack of nutrients, use the pattern '栄養不足による [Noun]' ( [Noun] due to nutrient deficiency). This is a standard way to link a symptom to its cause, such as 'eiyō-busoku ni yoru datsumō' (hair loss due to nutrient deficiency).

To discuss overcoming the condition, verbs like 解消する (kaishō suru - to resolve) or 補う (oginau - to supplement/compensate) are used. For example, 'Eiyō-busoku o oginau tame ni sapurimento o nomu' (Drink supplements to compensate for nutrient deficiency). This shows action taken to fix the problem.

Adjective Modifiers: Common adjectives that precede this word include 深刻な (shinkoku-na - serious), 慢性的な (mansei-teki-na - chronic), and 一時的な (ichiji-teki-na - temporary).

現代人の多くは、自覚のないまま栄養不足の状態にあります。(Many modern people are in a state of nutrient deficiency without realizing it.)

In a causative sense, if you want to say a specific food or habit causes deficiency, you use '栄養不足を引き起こす' (to cause/trigger nutrient deficiency). This is often used in health warnings. For example, 'Hen-shoku wa eiyō-busoku o hikikosu' (Unbalanced eating causes nutrient deficiency).

Compound Nouns: You will often see it combined with other nouns: 栄養不足対策 (Eiyō-busoku taisaku - measures against malnutrition) or 栄養不足児 (Eiyō-busoku-ji - undernourished child).

サプリメントだけで栄養不足を補うのは難しい。(It is difficult to compensate for nutrient deficiency with supplements alone.)

Lastly, consider the 'no' particle for possession or description. 'Watashi no eiyō-busoku' (My nutrient deficiency) or 'Kono chiiki no eiyō-busoku mondai' (The nutrient deficiency problem of this region). This allows the word to function as a subject or object in complex sentences about sociology or personal health history.

If you live in Japan or consume Japanese media, 栄養不足 is a word you will encounter frequently. Its usage spans from the sterile environment of a hospital to the vibrant, high-energy world of television commercials and social media. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the cultural weight of the term.

On Television and Documentaries: Japanese TV is famous for 'Information Variety' shows (jōhō bangumi) that focus on health. You will often hear experts discussing how the 'modern diet' leads to 栄養不足. They might use charts to show a lack of fiber or vitamins in the average office worker's diet.

「最近の若者は、野菜不足からくる栄養不足が目立ちますね」と専門家は語った。(The expert said, 'The nutrient deficiency arising from a lack of vegetables is noticeable among young people these days.')

In the workplace, during the mandatory annual health checkup (健康診断 - Kenkō Shindan), a nurse or doctor might use this word while reviewing your results. If your hemoglobin is low, they will mention iron deficiency as a form of 栄養不足. It's a standard part of the Japanese corporate health culture.

Social media and beauty blogs are another major source. Influencers often talk about 'Inner Beauty,' emphasizing that no amount of makeup can fix skin issues caused by 栄養不足. You'll see hashtags like #栄養不足解消 or #食生活改善 (improving eating habits) alongside photos of healthy smoothies and salads.

News and Global Affairs: When NHK or other major news outlets report on international aid, the term is used to describe the humanitarian situation. It sounds more clinical and objective than just saying 'people are hungry.'

紛争地域では、食糧支援が届かず、多くの人々が栄養不足に苦しんでいます。(In conflict zones, food aid doesn't arrive, and many people are suffering from malnutrition.)

In schools, teachers and lunch staff (eiyō-shi) use the term during 'Shokuiku' (food education). They teach children that skipping breakfast leads to 栄養不足, which makes it hard to concentrate in class. It’s a word children learn early to understand the importance of their meals.

In the Gym / Fitness Center: Personal trainers often warn clients that working out too hard without eating enough protein results in 栄養不足, preventing muscle growth and causing injury.

筋肉を作るためには、タンパク質が重要です。栄養不足のままトレーニングをしても逆効果ですよ。(Protein is important for building muscle. Training while nutrient-deficient is counterproductive.)

Whether it's a doctor's advice, a news report on global crises, or a fitness coach's warning, 栄養不足 is the standard term for any gap in necessary physical sustenance. Listening for it in these varied contexts will help you understand the nuances of how Japanese society views health and responsibility.

While 栄養不足 seems straightforward, English speakers often make nuanced mistakes when using it. The most common errors involve confusing it with similar terms or using the wrong grammatical structures. Let's break down these pitfalls to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and accurate.

Confusion with 'Eiyō-shitchō' (Malnutrition): Many learners use 栄養失調 (Eiyō-shitchō) and 栄養不足 interchangeably. However, 'Eiyō-shitchō' is a clinical term for severe malnutrition, often associated with starvation. If you just forgot to eat vegetables for a week, 'Eiyō-busoku' is the appropriate, less dramatic term.

❌ 昨日は昼ごはんを食べなかったので、栄養失調になりました。
✅ 昨日は昼ごはんを食べなかったので、少し栄養不足かもしれません。(I didn't eat lunch yesterday, so I might be a bit nutrient-deficient.)

Another common mistake is treating the word as an adjective like 'hungry' (onaka ga suita). Remember that 栄養不足 is a noun. You cannot say 'Eiyō-busoku na hito' as easily as you can say 'Eiyō-busoku no hito' or 'Eiyō-busoku ni natteru hito.'

Learners also tend to use 'Eiyō-busoku' when they actually mean 'Shokuryō-busoku' (food shortage). 栄養不足 refers to the biological state of the body, while 食糧不足 refers to the lack of food available in a pantry or a country. If your fridge is empty, you have 'shokuryō-busoku,' which might eventually lead to 'eiyō-busoku.'

Misusing with 'Tariru' (To be sufficient): Sometimes students try to create a verb like 'Eiyō ga busoku suru.' While 'busoku suru' is a valid verb, it sounds slightly stiff. It is much more natural to say 栄養が足りない (Eiyō ga tarinai) in casual speech.

❌ 彼はいつも栄養が不足します。
✅ 彼はいつも栄養不足気味です。(He is always a bit nutrient-deficient.)

A subtle mistake is using the word to describe animals or plants without context. While technically possible, for plants, we usually say 'hiryō-busoku' (lack of fertilizer). For pets, 'eiyō-busoku' is fine, but it often implies neglect. Be careful with the social weight the word carries when applying it to living things under your care.

Confusion with 'Henshoku' (Picky Eating): If someone only eats meat and refuses vegetables, they are 偏食 (Henshoku). This habit leads to 栄養不足. Don't use 'eiyō-busoku' to describe the act of being a picky eater; use it to describe the result of that behavior.

❌ 彼は野菜が嫌いな栄養不足です。
✅ 彼は偏食なので、栄養不足になりやすいです。(He is a picky eater, so he easily becomes nutrient-deficient.)

By avoiding these common errors—distinguishing from clinical malnutrition, using the correct particles, and separating habits from biological results—you will use 栄養不足 with the precision of a native speaker.

In Japanese, there are several ways to discuss lack of nutrition, each with a specific nuance and register. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are in a hospital, at the dinner table, or reading a government report. Here is a comparison of 栄養不足 with its closest relatives.

栄養失調 (Eiyō-shitchō): This is the medical term for severe malnutrition. While 栄養不足 can be minor (like lacking Vitamin C), 栄養失調 implies a serious breakdown in bodily functions due to prolonged lack of food. It is used for famine victims or patients with severe eating disorders.

Comparison: 栄養不足 = 'I need more veggies.' vs 栄養失調 = 'I am dangerously ill from starvation.'

Another common alternative is 低栄養 (Tei-eiyō). This term is often heard in the context of elderly care (kaigo). It refers to 'undernutrition,' where an older person might be eating, but not enough protein or energy to maintain muscle mass. It sounds more clinical and modern than 'eiyō-busoku.'

For specific deficiencies, Japanese speakers often use '[Nutrient] 不足'. Instead of the general 'eiyō-busoku,' they might say 'Bitamin-busoku' (Vitamin deficiency), 'Tetsubun-busoku' (Iron deficiency), or 'Tanpakushitsu-busoku' (Protein deficiency). This is much more common in daily conversations about health.

偏食 (Henshoku): As mentioned in the mistakes section, 偏食 means 'unbalanced diet' or 'picky eating.' While 'eiyō-busoku' is the state of the body, 'henshoku' is the behavior that causes it. Parents often tell children, 'Henshoku suru to eiyō-busoku ni naru yo!'

偏食を直さないと、将来栄養不足で病気になるかもしれません。(If you don't fix your picky eating, you might get sick from nutrient deficiency in the future.)

In a more literary or formal context, you might see 滋養不足 (Jiyō-busoku). 'Jiyō' is an older word for nourishment or 'sustenance.' It's rarely used in modern speech but appears in older novels or descriptions of 'jiyō-kyōshō' (nutritional tonics/drinks).

Summary Comparison

栄養不足: General deficiency (Daily/Medical).
栄養失調: Starvation/Severe clinical state (Medical/News).
低栄養: Undernutrition (Elderly care/Scientific).
偏食: Picky eating habit (Behavioral).
食糧不足: Lack of food supply (Social/Global).

By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your Japanese to the situation—whether you're warning a friend about their instant ramen habit or discussing international aid in a university seminar.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 栄 (Ei) originally depicted a tree with many flowers, symbolizing prosperity, which later evolved to mean the 'nourishment' that allows things to flourish.

Pronunciation Guide

UK eɪ-jɔː-bu-so-ku

US eɪ-joʊ-bu-soʊ-ku

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'Eiyō-busoku', the pitch starts low on 'E', rises on 'i-yō', and stays relatively flat or slightly drops on 'bu-so-ku'.

Rhymes With

Suimin-busoku (lack of sleep) Undo-busoku (lack of exercise) Keiken-busoku (lack of experience) Chishiki-busoku (lack of knowledge) Junbi-busoku (lack of preparation) Nōryoku-busoku (lack of ability) Jikan-busoku (lack of time) Shikin-busoku (lack of funds)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ei' as 'ee' (it should be like 'A').
Shortening the 'yō' (it must be held for two beats).
Stressing the 'bu' too hard (Japanese has even stress compared to English).
Confusing 'busoku' with 'bakusoku' (super speed).
Misreading the Kanji '栄' as '茶' (tea).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The Kanji are common but '栄' and '養' have many strokes. B1 level learners should recognize them easily.

Writing 4/5

Writing '栄養' from memory is challenging for intermediate learners due to the stroke complexity.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you master the long vowels.

Listening 2/5

The word is very distinct and common in news and health segments.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

栄養 (Nutrition) 不足 (Shortage) 野菜 (Vegetables) 体 (Body) 健康 (Health)

Learn Next

栄養失調 (Severe malnutrition) サプリメント (Supplement) 食生活 (Eating habits) バランス (Balance) 免疫力 (Immunity)

Advanced

微量元素 (Trace elements) 代謝異常 (Metabolic disorder) 公衆衛生 (Public health) 欠乏症 (Deficiency disease)

Grammar to Know

〜不足 (Suffix for 'lack of')

睡眠不足、運動不足、経験不足。

〜による (Due to/By means of)

栄養不足による体調不良。

〜に陥る (To fall into a situation)

慢性的な栄養不足に陥る。

〜を補う (To supplement/make up for)

足りない栄養をサプリで補う。

〜が心配だ (To be worried about)

子供の栄養不足が心配だ。

Examples by Level

野菜を食べないと栄養不足になります。

If you don't eat vegetables, you will get a nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'to' for 'if' and 'ni narimasu' for 'become'.

彼は栄養不足で元気がないです。

He has no energy because of nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'de' to indicate cause.

栄養不足は体に悪いです。

Nutrient deficiency is bad for the body.

Simple noun + 'wa' + adjective.

これは栄養不足のための薬ですか？

Is this medicine for nutrient deficiency?

Uses 'no tame no' to show purpose.

毎日ラーメンだけ食べると栄養不足です。

If you eat only ramen every day, it's a nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'dake' for 'only'.

子供の栄養不足が心配です。

I am worried about the child's nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'ga shinpai' for 'worried about'.

果物を食べて、栄養不足を治しましょう。

Let's eat fruit and fix the nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'mashō' for 'let's'.

栄養不足の人は、このジュースを飲んでください。

People with nutrient deficiency, please drink this juice.

Uses 'no hito' to describe people.

一人暮らしを始めてから、栄養不足になりました。

Since I started living alone, I became nutrient deficient.

Uses 'te kara' for 'since'.

栄養不足にならないように、バランスよく食べましょう。

Let's eat a balanced diet so we don't become nutrient deficient.

Uses 'nai yō ni' for 'so that not'.

最近、髪が抜けるのは栄養不足のせいかもしれません。

The hair loss lately might be because of nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'no sei' for 'because of (negative result)'.

栄養不足を補うために、サプリメントを飲んでいます。

I am taking supplements to compensate for nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'no tame ni' for 'in order to'.

ダイエットのしすぎで、栄養不足になる人が多いです。

Many people become nutrient deficient from dieting too much.

Uses 'no shisugi' for 'doing too much'.

栄養不足の状態が続くと、病気になりやすくなります。

If the state of nutrient deficiency continues, you become prone to illness.

Uses 'yasuku naru' for 'become easy to'.

このスープは、栄養不足の人にぴったりです。

This soup is perfect for people with nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'ni pittari' for 'perfect for'.

栄養不足を解消するには、何を食べるべきですか？

What should I eat to resolve nutrient deficiency?

Uses 'beki desu ka' for 'should'.

現代人の多くは、自覚のないまま栄養不足に陥っています。

Many modern people fall into nutrient deficiency without realizing it.

Uses 'ochiiru' (to fall into) for a state.

偏食は、深刻な栄養不足を招く原因となります。

Picky eating becomes a cause that brings about serious nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'maneku' (to invite/bring about).

忙しさを理由に食事を抜くと、栄養不足が加速します。

If you skip meals using busyness as an excuse, nutrient deficiency accelerates.

Uses 'o riyū ni' (with ... as the reason).

栄養不足を指摘されたので、食生活を見直すことにしました。

Since my nutrient deficiency was pointed out, I decided to review my eating habits.

Uses passive 'shiteki sareta' (was pointed out).

この地域では、慢性的な栄養不足が社会問題になっています。

In this region, chronic nutrient deficiency is becoming a social problem.

Uses 'mansei-teki' (chronic) as a modifier.

サプリメントは、あくまで栄養不足を補助するものです。

Supplements are merely something to assist with nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'akumade' (to the last/merely).

栄養不足による集中力の低下が、仕事に影響しています。

The decline in concentration due to nutrient deficiency is affecting work.

Uses 'ni yoru' (due to).

安くてお腹がいっぱいになる食事ばかりでは、栄養不足になります。

If you only eat meals that are cheap and filling, you will become nutrient deficient.

Contrasts calorie intake with nutrient quality.

途上国における栄養不足の解消は、国際社会の急務です。

Resolving nutrient deficiency in developing nations is an urgent task for the international community.

Uses 'ni okeru' (in/at) and 'kyūmu' (urgent task).

栄養不足が胎児の発育に及ぼす影響は、極めて大きいです。

The impact that nutrient deficiency has on fetal development is extremely large.

Uses 'ni oyobosu' (to exert/impact).

過度な食事制限は、代謝を下げ、かえって栄養不足を悪化させます。

Excessive dietary restrictions lower metabolism and instead worsen nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'kaette' (on the contrary).

このデータは、都市部における「新型栄養不足」の増加を示しています。

This data shows an increase in 'new-type nutrient deficiency' in urban areas.

Introduces 'shingata' (new type) as a specific term.

栄養不足の兆候を見逃さないよう、定期的な血液検査が推奨されます。

Regular blood tests are recommended so as not to miss signs of nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'chōkō' (sign/indication) and 'suishō' (recommendation).

高齢者の栄養不足は、フレイル（虚弱）に直結する深刻な問題です。

Nutrient deficiency in the elderly is a serious problem directly linked to frailty.

Uses 'chokketsu suru' (to be directly linked).

経済的な困窮が、子供たちの栄養不足の背景にあることが多いです。

Economic hardship is often in the background of children's nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'haikei' (background/context).

栄養不足を改善するためには、単に量を増やすだけでは不十分です。

To improve nutrient deficiency, simply increasing the quantity is insufficient.

Uses 'tanni ... dake de wa' (simply ... only is ...).

潜在的な栄養不足は、長期間にわたって健康を蝕む可能性があります。

Latent nutrient deficiency has the potential to erode health over a long period.

Uses 'senzai-teki' (latent) and 'mushibamu' (to erode/undermine).

飽食の時代にあって、特定の栄養素が欠乏する栄養不足が蔓延しています。

In an era of gluttony, nutrient deficiency characterized by a lack of specific nutrients is rampant.

Uses 'ni atte' (in the situation of) and 'man'en' (rampant).

栄養不足の是正に向けた政策的介入が、今、強く求められています。

Policy interventions aimed at correcting nutrient deficiency are now strongly required.

Uses 'zesei' (correction) and 'kanyū' (intervention).

細胞レベルでの栄養不足が、慢性疲労症候群の一因であるとの説もあります。

There is a theory that nutrient deficiency at the cellular level is a cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Uses 'saibō reberu' (cellular level).

栄養不足を放置することは、将来的な医療費の増大を招くことに他なりません。

Leaving nutrient deficiency unaddressed is nothing other than inviting an increase in future medical costs.

Uses 'ni hoka naranai' (nothing but/nothing other than).

災害時における避難所での栄養不足は、二次被害として警戒すべき点です。

Nutrient deficiency in shelters during disasters is a point that should be guarded against as secondary damage.

Uses 'niji-higai' (secondary damage) and 'keikai' (vigilance).

個々の体質やライフスタイルに応じた栄養不足対策が、今後の鍵となります。

Countermeasures against nutrient deficiency tailored to individual constitutions and lifestyles will be the key moving forward.

Uses 'ni ōjita' (tailored to/responding to).

栄養不足の定義は、時代とともにカロリー不足から質的不足へと変遷してきました。

The definition of nutrient deficiency has transitioned over time from calorie deficiency to qualitative deficiency.

Uses 'hensen' (transition/change).

栄養不足という言説が、いかに社会構造的な格差を反映しているかを考察する。

We will examine how the discourse of nutrient deficiency reflects socio-structural disparities.

Uses 'gensetsu' (discourse) and 'han'ei' (reflection).

微量栄養素の栄養不足が認知機能の減退に与える相関関係を、メタ分析により検証した。

We verified the correlation between micronutrient deficiency and the decline of cognitive function through meta-analysis.

Uses 'sōkan-kankei' (correlation) and 'kenshō' (verification).

栄養不足の解消を謳いながらも、実際には過剰摂取を助長する商業主義を批判する。

I criticize commercialism that claims to resolve nutrient deficiency while actually promoting overconsumption.

Uses 'utai-nagara' (while claiming) and 'jochō' (promotion/fostering).

エピジェネティクスの観点から、胎児期の栄養不足が次世代の健康に及ぼす影響を論じる。

From the perspective of epigenetics, we discuss the impact of fetal nutrient deficiency on the health of the next generation.

Uses 'kanten' (perspective) and 'ronjiru' (discuss/argue).

栄養不足を単なる個人の自己管理の問題に帰結させるのは、あまりに短絡的である。

Attributing nutrient deficiency merely to a problem of individual self-management is far too simplistic.

Uses 'kiketsu saseru' (to attribute/result in) and 'tanraku-teki' (simplistic/short-circuited).

食のグローバル化が、伝統的な食文化を破壊し、新たな形態の栄養不足を生み出している。

The globalization of food is destroying traditional food cultures and giving rise to new forms of nutrient deficiency.

Uses 'hakai' (destruction) and 'keitai' (form/shape).

公衆衛生の歴史において、栄養不足の克服は人類の最大の功績の一つと言えるだろう。

In the history of public health, the overcoming of nutrient deficiency can be called one of humanity's greatest achievements.

Uses 'kōsekki' (achievement/merit).

栄養不足の多角的な分析を通じて、持続可能な食料システムの構築を模索する。

Through a multifaceted analysis of nutrient deficiency, we seek to build a sustainable food system.

Uses 'takaku-teki' (multifaceted) and 'mosaku' (seeking/groping for).

Common Collocations

栄養不足に陥る

栄養不足を解消する

慢性的な栄養不足

深刻な栄養不足

栄養不足を補う

栄養不足を招く

栄養不足の状態

栄養不足が懸念される

潜在的な栄養不足

栄養不足による病気

Common Phrases

栄養不足気味

— Having a slight tendency toward nutrient deficiency.

最近、外食が多くて栄養不足気味だ。

隠れ栄養不足

— Latent or 'hidden' nutrient deficiency (eating enough calories but no nutrients).

コンビニ飯ばかりだと隠れ栄養不足になりやすい。

新型栄養不足

— A modern term for people who eat plenty but lack specific vitamins/minerals.

新型栄養不足は若者の間で増えている。

栄養不足対策

— Measures or countermeasures against nutrient deficiency.

政府は途上国の栄養不足対策を支援している。

栄養不足のサイン

— Signs or symptoms of nutrient deficiency.

爪が割れるのは栄養不足のサインかもしれない。

栄養不足を指摘する

— To point out that someone is nutrient deficient.

健康診断で栄養不足を指摘された。

栄養不足の影響

— The effects or impact of nutrient deficiency.

栄養不足の影響で免疫力が低下した。

栄養不足を自覚する

— To realize or be aware of one's own nutrient deficiency.

疲れが取れないので、栄養不足を自覚した。

栄養不足を放置する

— To leave nutrient deficiency unaddressed.

栄養不足を放置すると大変なことになる。

栄養不足を改善する

— To improve or fix a state of nutrient deficiency.

食生活を改めて栄養不足を改善しよう。

Often Confused With

栄養不足 vs 栄養失調 (Eiyō-shitchō)

Eiyō-shitchō is much more severe (starvation), whereas Eiyō-busoku can be a minor lack of vitamins.

栄養不足 vs 食糧不足 (Shokuryō-busoku)

Shokuryō-busoku is a lack of food supply (famine/poverty), Eiyō-busoku is the biological state of the body.

栄養不足 vs 寝不足 (Nebusoku)

Both end in 'busoku', but 'Nebusoku' is lack of sleep. Don't mix up sleep and food!

Idioms & Expressions

"腹が減っては戦はできぬ"

— You can't fight on an empty stomach. Often related to avoiding nutrient deficiency before a big task.

栄養不足では仕事にならない。腹が減っては戦はできぬだ。

Proverb

"医食同源"

— Medicine and food have the same source. Emphasizes that avoiding eiyō-busoku is medicine.

医食同源というから、栄養不足には気をつけよう。

Four-character idiom (Yojijukugo)

"腹八分目"

— Eating until 80% full. Related to balanced nutrition and avoiding overeating or deficiency.

栄養不足も困るが、腹八分目が健康に良い。

General

"身を削る"

— To wear oneself down. Often used when someone works so hard they become eiyō-busoku.

身を削って働いた結果、栄養不足で倒れた。

Metaphorical

"血となり肉となる"

— To become part of one's blood and flesh. Refers to nutrients being absorbed.

しっかり食べて、栄養不足にならないよう血となり肉となる食事をしよう。

General

"骨抜きになる"

— To become spineless/weak. Can be a result of long-term eiyō-busoku.

栄養不足で体が骨抜きになったようだ。

Informal

"息の根を止める"

— To kill/stop the breath. Extreme eiyō-busoku can do this.

深刻な栄養不足は、子供の息の根を止めかねない。

Dramatic

"立て板に水"

— Fluent/Smooth. Often contrasted with someone who is too weak from eiyō-busoku to speak.

栄養不足で、立て板に水のように話す元気もない。

Literary

"青菜に塩"

— Like salt on greens (wilting). Describes someone looking weak from eiyō-busoku.

栄養不足の彼は、まるで青菜に塩のようだ。

Idiom

"虫の息"

— Faint breathing/on the verge of death. The final stage of severe eiyō-busoku.

栄養不足で、彼はもう虫の息だ。

General

Easily Confused

栄養不足 vs 偏食 (Henshoku)

Both relate to poor diet.

Henshoku is the act of being picky; Eiyō-busoku is the physiological result.

偏食の結果、栄養不足になった。

栄養不足 vs 過食 (Kashoku)

Opposite meanings.

Kashoku is overeating; Eiyō-busoku is under-nourishing. Note: You can do both at once!

過食なのに栄養不足という不思議な状態。

栄養不足 vs 低栄養 (Tei-eiyō)

Very similar meanings.

Tei-eiyō is a modern clinical term often for the elderly; Eiyō-busoku is general.

高齢者の低栄養を栄養不足と呼ぶこともある。

栄養不足 vs 空腹 (Kūfuku)

Both relate to needing food.

Kūfuku is the feeling of hunger; Eiyō-busoku is a lack of nutrients.

お腹はいっぱいだが、栄養不足だ。

栄養不足 vs 飢餓 (Kiga)

Both relate to lack of food.

Kiga is 'starvation/hunger' as a social crisis; Eiyō-busoku is the medical state.

飢餓に苦しむ人々は栄養不足だ。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] wa eiyō-busoku desu.

Kare wa eiyō-busoku desu.

Eiyō-busoku ni narimasu.

Yasai o tabenai to, eiyō-busoku ni narimasu.

Eiyō-busoku o [Verb].

Eiyō-busoku o解消するために、果物を食べます。

Eiyō-busoku no sei de [Result].

Eiyō-busoku no sei de, tsukare-yasui desu.

Eiyō-busoku ni ochiiru.

Gendai-jin wa eiyō-busoku ni ochiiri-yasui.

Eiyō-busoku ni yoru [Noun].

Eiyō-busoku ni yoru men'eki-ryoku no teika.

Senzai-teki-na eiyō-busoku.

Senzai-teki-na eiyō-busoku ga mondai da.

Discourse on eiyō-busoku.

Eiyō-busoku o meguru shakaiteki na giron.

Word Family

Nouns

栄養 (Nutrition)

不足 (Shortage)

栄養素 (Nutrient)

栄養士 (Nutritionist)

栄養学 (Nutrition science)

Verbs

栄養を摂る (Take in nutrition)

不足する (To be insufficient)

養う (To nurture/support)

Adjectives

栄養のある (Nutritious)

栄養価の高い (High nutritional value)

不十分な (Insufficient)

ビタミン (Vitamin)

ミネラル (Mineral)

タンパク質 (Protein)

カロリー (Calorie)

健康 (Health)

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in health, medical, and social contexts in Japan.

Common Mistakes

栄養不足な人 (Eiyō-busoku na hito) → 栄養不足の人 (Eiyō-busoku no hito)
栄養不足 is a noun, so it takes 'no', not 'na', to modify another noun.
お腹が栄養不足です (Onaka ga eiyō-busoku desu) → 栄養不足です (Eiyō-busoku desu)
You don't say 'my stomach is nutrient deficient.' Nutrient deficiency is a state of the whole body.
栄養不足をする (Eiyō-busoku o suru) → 栄養不足になる (Eiyō-busoku ni naru)
You 'become' nutrient deficient, you don't 'do' it.
栄養が不足した (Eiyō ga busoku shita) → 栄養不足になった (Eiyō-busoku ni nattu)
While grammatically possible, it sounds more natural to use the compound noun 'Eiyō-busoku'.
栄養不足で食べ物がありません (Eiyō-busoku de tabemono ga arimasen) → 食糧不足で食べ物がありません (Shokuryō-busoku de...)
If there is no food, use 'Shokuryō-busoku'. 'Eiyō-busoku' is the health result.

Tips

Using 'ni naru'

Always use the particle 'ni' when saying 'to become nutrient deficient' (栄養不足になる).

Bento Balance

Japanese bentos are designed to prevent 栄養不足 by including many small portions of different food groups.

The 'Busoku' Suffix

Mastering 'Busoku' allows you to create many words like sleep-deprived (寝不足) and exercise-deprived (運動不足).

Health Checkups

You will likely hear this word during your annual 'Kenkō Shindan' in a Japanese company.

Writing 'Ei'

Focus on the top part of 栄. It represents flourishing flowers. It's a positive kanji, even if 'busoku' makes it negative.

Helping Others

If you see 'Eiyō-busoku' in a charity ad, it's asking for food aid or donations.

Softening the Blow

Use '-gimi' (栄養不足気味) to sound more polite and less like you are diagnosing someone.

News Keywords

In news about famine, 'Eiyō-busoku' is a key vocabulary word to listen for.

Supplement Labels

Many vitamins in Japan say 'Eiyō-busoku no anata ni' (For you, who are nutrient deficient).

Opposites

Learn 'Eiyō-hōfu' (rich in nutrition) at the same time to balance your vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'A-O' (栄養) nutrition drink being 'Empty' (不足). If the A-O bottle is empty, you have Eiyō-busoku!

Visual Association

Imagine a battery icon that is flashing red and nearly empty. The battery represents your 'Eiyō' and the red flash is the 'Busoku'.

Word Web

Health Diet Vitamins Fatigue Doctor Vegetables Insufficiency Body

Challenge

Try to list three foods that prevent 'Eiyō-busoku' and use them in a sentence with the word.

Word Origin

Composed of Sino-Japanese roots (Kango). 'Ei' (栄) means flourish, 'Yō' (養) means nurture. 'Bu' (不) means not, 'Soku' (足) means sufficient.

Original meaning: The term literally translates to 'the flourishing nurture is not sufficient.'

Japonic (Sino-Japanese compound).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word to describe someone's appearance, as it can be taken as a comment on their poverty or lack of self-care.

In English, we might say 'malnourished' or 'nutrient deficient.' English speakers often use 'malnourished' for extreme cases and 'not getting enough vitamins' for casual cases. 'Eiyō-busoku' covers both.

Documentaries on NHK about 'Kodomo no Hinkon' (Child Poverty). Manga/Anime where a character collapses from 'Eiyō-busoku' due to overworking. Health campaigns by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's Office

栄養不足の可能性があります。
血液検査をしましょう。
食事に気をつけてください。
鉄分が不足しています。

At the Gym

栄養不足では筋肉がつきません。
プロテインを飲みましょう。
しっかり食べてください。
オーバーワークに注意です。

Watching the News

世界的な栄養不足。
食糧支援が必要です。
深刻な飢餓状態。
子供たちの健康被害。

Beauty & Skincare

肌荒れの原因は栄養不足です。
中からのケアが大事です。
ビタミンを摂りましょう。
美容液より食生活です。

School/Parenting

給食を残さないで。
栄養不足になると背が伸びないよ。
好き嫌いはダメです。
朝ごはんを食べよう。

Conversation Starters

"最近、栄養不足を感じることはありますか？ (Do you feel nutrient deficient lately?)"

"栄養不足を解消するために、どんな工夫をしていますか？ (What do you do to resolve nutrient deficiency?)"

"日本の若者の栄養不足についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about nutrient deficiency among young Japanese people?)"

"忙しい時に栄養不足にならないコツは何ですか？ (What's the trick to not becoming nutrient deficient when busy?)"

"栄養不足のサインとして、何に一番気をつけていますか？ (What sign of nutrient deficiency do you watch out for most?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の食事を振り返って、栄養不足になっていないか分析してみましょう。 (Review today's meals and analyze if you might be nutrient deficient.)

もし自分が栄養不足になったら、どのような症状が出ると思いますか？ (If you became nutrient deficient, what symptoms do you think would appear?)

「隠れ栄養不足」を防ぐために、明日からできることを書きましょう。 (Write down what you can do from tomorrow to prevent 'hidden nutrient deficiency'.)

栄養不足と社会問題（貧困など）のつながりについて自分の考えを書きなさい。 (Write your thoughts on the connection between nutrient deficiency and social issues like poverty.)

あなたが知っている「栄養不足に効く食べ物」を日本語で紹介してください。 (Introduce a food you know that is effective against nutrient deficiency in Japanese.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. In modern Japan, it often refers to 'hidden' deficiency, where you eat enough calories but lack essential vitamins or minerals. You can be full and still be 栄養不足.

It can be sensitive. It's like saying 'you look unhealthy' or 'you aren't taking care of yourself.' Only say it to close friends or as a medical professional.

栄養失調 (Eiyō-shitchō) is much more severe, often used for clinical malnutrition or starvation. 栄養不足 (Eiyō-busoku) is a general term for any lack of nutrients.

You can say 'Tetsubun-busoku' (鉄分不足). It's a specific type of 栄養不足.

Usually, for plants, we say 'Hiryō-busoku' (lack of fertilizer). However, in a scientific context, 'Eiyō-busoku' could be used for the plant's state.

Yes, athletes use it to describe a state where their diet isn't supporting their training intensity.

Tsukare-yasui (easily tired), Hada-are (skin problems), and Memai (dizziness) are often linked to it.

No, that is 'Shokuryō-busoku' or 'Shinagire' (out of stock).

Yes, it's essential for intermediate learners to discuss health and daily life.

It is 'Eiyō-shi' (栄養士).