At the A1 level, '稀缺' (xīquē) might be a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'not many' or 'not enough.' Imagine you have ten friends but only one apple. The apple is '稀缺.' In simple Chinese, we usually use '很少' (hěn shǎo - very few) or '没有' (méiyǒu - don't have). However, if you see this word, just remember: 稀 (xī) means 'rare' and 缺 (quē) means 'lack.' So, 稀缺 means something is so rare that it's a problem. For example, '水很少' (Water is very little) is basic. '水稀缺' (Water is scarce) is what a scientist or a news reporter would say. You don't need to use it in daily life yet, but knowing it helps you understand news about the world.
For A2 learners, '稀缺' (xīquē) is a useful word to describe serious problems. While you already know '少' (shǎo - few) and '缺' (quē - to lack), '稀缺' is an adjective used for important things like '水' (water), '钱' (money - in a big sense), or '食物' (food). You will often see it in the pattern: [Thing] + 非常 + 稀缺. For example: '在这里,干净的水非常稀缺' (Here, clean water is very scarce). It's a formal word. If you use it instead of just saying '没有,' people will think your Chinese is very good. Remember, it's mostly for resources, not for things like 'I don't have a pen.' Use it when talking about nature or the economy.
At the B1 level, you should start using '稀缺' (xīquē) to discuss economic and social issues. This word is the standard translation for 'scarcity.' In B1 exams or conversations, you might talk about '稀缺资源' (scarce resources) or '稀缺人才' (scarce talent). You should understand that 稀缺 is different from 稀少 (xīshǎo). 稀少 just means 'few in number,' like 'few people on the street.' 稀缺 means 'not enough to meet the demand,' like 'not enough hospital beds during a flu season.' You can use it as a predicate: '资源是稀缺的' (Resources are scarce), or as an adjective: '稀缺的物资' (Scarce materials). It's a key word for discussing environment, business, and technology.
At the B2 level, '稀缺' (xīquē) should be a regular part of your vocabulary for formal writing and debates. You should be able to use it in abstract contexts, such as '稀缺心态' (scarcity mindset) or '精神稀缺' (spiritual scarcity). You should also be comfortable with its synonyms like '匮乏' (kuìfá) and '紧缺' (jǐnquē). For example, you might explain that '由于技术人才稀缺,这个行业的薪水非常高' (Because technical talent is scarce, salaries in this industry are very high). You should also recognize it in complex sentence structures and understand its role in economic theories. At this level, you are expected to distinguish between the 'rarity' of an object and the 'scarcity' of a resource.
For C1 learners, '稀缺' (xīquē) is a foundational concept used to build complex arguments. You should use it to discuss macroeconomic trends, such as '全球芯片稀缺对汽车行业的影响' (The impact of global chip scarcity on the auto industry). You should also explore the philosophical implications of scarcity. For instance, you might write an essay on how the '稀缺性' (scarcity/uniqueness) of an artwork determines its auction price. At this level, you should be able to use the word with precision, choosing it over '短缺' (shortage) or '贫乏' (impoverished) to specifically denote a supply-demand imbalance. You should also be familiar with academic collocations like '稀缺性原则' (the principle of scarcity).
At the C2 level, you should have a native-like grasp of '稀缺' (xīquē), including its use in high-level policy papers, legal documents, and classical literary analysis. You can discuss the '稀缺' of political capital or the '稀缺' of historical records in ancient dynasties. You should be able to use it in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps contrasting it with '丰裕' (abundance) or '过剩' (surplus). You should also understand the nuances of how '稀缺' is used in different Chinese-speaking regions and how it appears in idioms or formal four-character expressions. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of both its literal economic meaning and its deep metaphorical resonance in modern Chinese thought.

稀缺 in 30 Seconds

  • 稀缺 (xīquē) means 'scarce' or 'in short supply,' primarily used for resources, talent, and economic goods.
  • It is a formal word, commonly found in news, academic writing, and professional business discussions.
  • Unlike 'rare' (which is just 'few'), 'scarce' implies there isn't enough to meet a specific need or demand.
  • Commonly paired with '资源' (resources), '人才' (talent), and '物资' (materials).

The term 稀缺 (xīquē) is an essential adjective in the Chinese language, primarily used to describe resources, goods, or qualities that are in short supply relative to the demand for them. While English speakers might simply say 'scarce' or 'rare,' 稀缺 carries a weight of economic and systemic limitation. It is composed of two characters: 稀 (xī), meaning rare or sparse, and 缺 (quē), meaning a gap, lack, or deficiency. Together, they form a word that highlights not just rarity, but a functional shortage that often drives up value or necessitates careful management.

Economic Context
In economics, this word is the standard translation for 'scarcity.' It describes the fundamental economic problem where human wants are infinite but resources are finite. You will hear it in discussions about water rights, semiconductor chips, or high-end real estate.
Social and Professional Context
In the job market, certain skills are described as 稀缺. If a company is looking for a quantum computing expert who also speaks fluent Mandarin, that talent is considered a '稀缺人才' (scarce talent). It implies that the person is a 'purple squirrel'—extremely hard to find and highly valuable.
Emotional and Abstract Context
While less common than physical resources, abstract qualities like 'trust' or 'true friendship' can be described as 稀缺 in a cynical or poetic sense. It suggests that in a fast-paced world, these virtues are becoming harder to encounter.

由于干旱,这个地区的饮用水变得非常稀缺
(Due to the drought, drinking water in this region has become very scarce.)

When using this word, it is important to distinguish it from its cousins. Unlike 稀少 (xīshǎo), which simply means 'few' or 'not many' in a numerical sense, 稀缺 implies a state of being 'in deficit.' If there are only ten tigers left in a forest, they are 稀少. If there isn't enough medicine for ten sick people, the medicine is 稀缺. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners who are moving from basic descriptions to more nuanced explanations of problems and solutions.

在当今社会,注意力已经成为一种稀缺资产。
(In today's society, attention has already become a scarce asset.)

To master 稀缺, think about the 'supply and demand' curve. If the supply is low and the demand is high, the word is likely 稀缺. It is a formal word, often found in newspapers, academic papers, and business reports. However, it has increasingly entered daily conversation as people discuss the 'scarcity mindset' (稀缺心态), a psychological concept where people focus so much on what they lack that they lose the ability to plan for the long term.

Common Pairings
  • 稀缺资源 (Xīquē zīyuán): Scarce resources (The most common collocation).
  • 稀缺产品 (Xīquē chǎnpǐn): Scarce products (Often used in luxury markets).
  • 极度稀缺 (Jídù xīquē): Extremely scarce (Adding emphasis).

Using 稀缺 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as an adjective. It can function as a predicate (describing a subject) or as an attributive (modifying a noun). Because it is a formal word, it is often paired with adverbs of degree like 非常 (fēicháng), 十分 (shífēn), or 极其 (jíqí).

1. As a Predicate (Subject + Adverb + 稀缺)

In this structure, you are stating that a specific thing is scarce. This is the most straightforward way to use the word to describe a situation or environmental condition.

这种金属在地球上非常稀缺
(This kind of metal is very scarce on Earth.)

Notice that we don't just say '金属稀缺' in casual speech; we usually add '非常' to make the sentence feel complete. In formal writing (like news headlines), you might see the shorter '资源稀缺' (Resources are scarce).

2. As an Attributive (稀缺 + 的 + Noun)

When you want to describe a noun as being scarce, you place 稀缺 before it. While you can use '的', in many formal compound terms, the '的' is omitted to create a fixed noun phrase.

  • 稀缺的资源: Scarce resources (General description).
  • 稀缺资源: Scarce resources (Technical/Economic term).
  • 稀缺人才: Scarce talent (Professional term).

政府正在努力保护那些稀缺的野生动植物。
(The government is working hard to protect those scarce wild animals and plants.)

3. Contrast with 缺少 (quēshǎo)

A common mistake is using 稀缺 when you mean 缺少. 缺少 is a verb meaning 'to lack.' You can say '我缺少钱' (I lack money), but you cannot say '我稀缺钱.' 稀缺 describes the state of the money in the market, not your personal possession of it.

Key Pattern
[Place/Time] + [Noun] + [Degree Adverb] + 稀缺
Example: 战争期间,食物极其稀缺。 (During the war, food was extremely scarce.)

In professional settings, 稀缺 is often used to justify high prices or difficult decisions. For instance, a manager might say: '由于预算稀缺,我们不得不取消这个项目' (Due to the scarcity of budget, we have to cancel this project). Here, it sounds more professional and objective than simply saying we don't have enough money.

To truly master 稀缺, you need to recognize the specific environments where it naturally occurs. It isn't a word you'd typically use while haggling over vegetables at a local wet market, but you will encounter it frequently in the following four arenas.

1. Economic News and Financial Reports

This is the natural habitat of 稀缺. When financial anchors talk about the 'global chip shortage' or 'energy crisis,' they use this word. It provides a sense of systemic importance.

'在全球供应链中断的背景下,原材料的稀缺导致了价格上涨。'
(Against the backdrop of global supply chain disruptions, the scarcity of raw materials has led to price increases.)

2. Environmental and Scientific Documentaries

Narrators discussing climate change, biodiversity loss, or natural resource management rely heavily on 稀缺. It emphasizes the critical nature of the situation.

Typical Phrases
  • 淡水资源稀缺: Scarcity of freshwater resources.
  • 土地资源稀缺: Scarcity of land resources (common in urban planning).
  • 稀缺物种: Scarce/Rare species (though '濒危' - endangered is also used).

3. Human Resources and Career Planning

In the context of the job market, 稀缺 describes high-demand, low-supply skills. Career coaches often advise young professionals to '打造自己的稀缺性' (build your own scarcity/uniqueness) to increase their market value.

具备跨学科背景的人才是目前市场上的稀缺资源。
(Talents with interdisciplinary backgrounds are currently a scarce resource in the market.)

4. Psychology and Self-Help

Modern Chinese discourse has adopted the concept of 'Scarcity' from behavioral economics (specifically the work of Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir). You will hear people talk about '稀缺心态' (scarcity mindset) in podcasts and books about productivity and wealth.

In summary, if you are reading a high-level article or watching a serious news broadcast, 稀缺 will be your go-to word for 'not enough of something important.' It elevates your speech from basic Chinese to the level of an educated professional.

While 稀缺 is a powerful word, it is frequently misused by English speakers who translate 'rare' or 'lack' too literally. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Confusing 稀缺 (xīquē) with 稀少 (xīshǎo)

This is the number one mistake. Both words contain (rare), but they have different focuses.

稀少 (Xīshǎo)
Focuses on quantity. It simply means 'few.'
Example: 半夜街上行人稀少。 (There are few pedestrians on the street at midnight.) You wouldn't say '行人稀缺' because there is no 'demand' for pedestrians that isn't being met.
稀缺 (Xīquē)
Focuses on supply vs. demand. It means 'scarce.'
Example: 在沙漠里,水是稀缺的。 (In the desert, water is scarce.) Here, the demand for water is high, but the supply is low.

2. Using 稀缺 as a Verb

In English, we can say 'We are experiencing a scarcity of talent.' In Chinese, 稀缺 is an adjective or a noun, never a verb. You cannot say '我们稀缺人才' (We scarce talent). Instead, use it as a predicate with an adverb or as part of a noun phrase.

❌ 我们稀缺这种材料。
✅ 这种材料非常稀缺
✅ 我们面临材料稀缺的问题。

3. Overusing it for Personal Situations

稀缺 is a 'big' word. If you are out of milk in your fridge, don't say '牛奶很稀缺.' That sounds like there is a national milk crisis. Instead, use 没了 (méile - gone) or 不够 (bú gòu - not enough).

4. Confusing with 罕见 (hǎnjiàn)

罕见 means 'rarely seen.' It's used for events or sights. A solar eclipse is 罕见, but it's not 稀缺 because you don't 'consume' a solar eclipse. Resources are 稀缺; events are 罕见.

To expand your vocabulary beyond 稀缺, you should learn its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning depending on the context of the shortage.

匮乏 (kuìfá)
Meaning: Extremely deficient or lacking.
Nuance: This is even more formal and 'heavy' than 稀缺. It often describes a total lack of essential things like spirit, food, or resources.
Example: 精神生活匮乏 (A deficient spiritual life).
紧缺 (jǐnquē)
Meaning: In tight supply.
Nuance: This word implies an urgent, temporary shortage. It’s common in business when talking about inventory.
Example: 电力供应紧缺 (Power supply is tight).
短缺 (duǎnquē)
Meaning: Shortage / Lack.
Nuance: This is more of a noun or a direct description of a gap. It's very common for logistics.
Example: 粮食短缺 (Grain shortage).
稀少 (xīshǎo)
Meaning: Few / Sparse.
Nuance: As discussed, this refers to low numbers or density, not necessarily a 'shortage' relative to need.
Example: 人烟稀少 (Thinly populated).

Comparison Table:
稀缺: Focus on economic value and demand.
匮乏: Focus on extreme poverty or emptiness.
紧缺: Focus on immediate urgency/bottlenecks.
短缺: Focus on the objective gap in quantity.

When deciding which to use, ask yourself: 'Is this a problem of economics (稀缺), a problem of survival (匮乏), or a problem of logistics (紧缺)?' Choosing the right synonym will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 稀 was traditionally used to describe thin soup or porridge. Today, it describes high-end semiconductors and economic theories!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃiː tɕʰɥɛ/
US /ʃi tʃwɛ/
In Mandarin, both syllables carry equal weight as they are both Tone 1.
Rhymes With
衣 (yī) 西 (xī) 靴 (xuē) 学 (xué - partial) 车 (chē - partial) 妻 (qī) 期 (qī) 切 (qiē)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'Xī' like the English 'Z' or 'X' in 'X-ray'. It should be a soft 'sh' sound.
  • Pronouncing 'Quē' like 'Kway'. The 'q' in Pinyin is a 'ch' sound.
  • Falling tones. Both syllables must stay high and flat.
  • Confusing 'quē' with 'guī'.
  • Muttering the final 'e' in 'quē'. It should be clear like 'eh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are somewhat complex but common in news.

Writing 4/5

Writing '稀' and '缺' correctly requires practice with strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with '稀少' or '罕见' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

少 (shǎo) 缺少 (quēshǎo) 资源 (zīyuán) 非常 (fēicháng) 没有 (méiyǒu)

Learn Next

匮乏 (kuìfá) 紧缺 (jǐnquē) 供需 (gōngxū) 平衡 (pínghéng) 价值 (jiàzhí)

Advanced

宏观经济 (macroeconomics) 可持续发展 (sustainable development) 配置 (allocation) 瓶颈 (bottleneck)

Grammar to Know

Adjectives as Predicates

资源非常稀缺。 (Resources are very scarce.)

Attributive 'de' (的)

稀缺的淡水。 (Scarce freshwater.)

Cause and Effect (由于...导致...)

由于人才稀缺,导致项目延期。

Noun Compounds

稀缺资源 (No 'de' used in fixed terms).

Degree Adverbs

极其稀缺 (Extremely scarce).

Examples by Level

1

这里的水很稀缺。

The water here is very scarce.

Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

2

那个地方食物稀缺。

Food is scarce in that place.

Simple noun-adjective structure.

3

这种花很稀缺。

This kind of flower is very scarce.

Using '这种' to specify a type.

4

虽然钱稀缺,但我们很快乐。

Although money is scarce, we are happy.

Using '虽然...但...' (although... but...).

5

在冬天,新鲜的水果很稀缺。

In winter, fresh fruit is very scarce.

Time phrase + Subject + Adjective.

6

医生在那个小村庄很稀缺。

Doctors are very scarce in that small village.

Describing a profession as scarce.

7

干净的空气变得稀缺。

Clean air is becoming scarce.

Subject + 变得 (become) + Adjective.

8

这种资源非常稀缺。

This resource is extremely scarce.

Using '非常' for emphasis.

1

由于天气不好,蔬菜变得很稀缺。

Due to bad weather, vegetables have become very scarce.

Using '由于' (due to) to show cause.

2

在战争时期,盐是稀缺物资。

During wartime, salt was a scarce commodity.

Using 稀缺 as an attributive for '物资'.

3

这种稀缺的药救了他的命。

This scarce medicine saved his life.

Using '的' to connect the adjective to the noun.

4

在那个国家,受过教育的人才很稀缺。

In that country, educated talent is very scarce.

Describing 'talent' (人才).

5

我们必须保护稀缺的自然资源。

We must protect scarce natural resources.

Using '必须' (must) + verb + noun phrase.

6

这种硬币非常稀缺,很有价值。

This coin is very scarce and very valuable.

Linking scarcity with value.

7

因为土地稀缺,这里的房价很高。

Because land is scarce, house prices here are very high.

Using '因为...所以...' structure.

8

在这个干旱的地区,雨水是稀缺的。

In this arid region, rainwater is scarce.

Using '是...的' for description.

1

经济学研究的是如何分配稀缺资源。

Economics studies how to allocate scarce resources.

Standard academic definition of economics.

2

由于芯片稀缺,汽车产量下降了。

Due to the scarcity of chips, car production has decreased.

Describing industrial impact.

3

时间对他来说是极其稀缺的资源。

Time is an extremely scarce resource for him.

Using '对...来说' (to someone).

4

市场上这种型号的手机已经非常稀缺了。

This model of mobile phone is already very scarce on the market.

Adding '了' to show a change in state.

5

稀缺性是决定商品价格的关键因素。

Scarcity is a key factor in determining the price of goods.

Using the noun form '稀缺性' (scarcity).

6

在偏远地区,电力供应依然十分稀缺。

In remote areas, power supply is still very scarce.

Using '依然' (still) and '十分' (very).

7

这种稀缺的人才正是我们公司需要的。

This kind of scarce talent is exactly what our company needs.

Using '正是...需要的' (is exactly what is needed).

8

随着人口增长,土地变得越来越稀缺。

With population growth, land is becoming increasingly scarce.

Using '越来越' (more and more).

1

稀缺心态会让人们只关注眼前的利益。

A scarcity mindset makes people focus only on immediate interests.

Using the psychological term '稀缺心态'.

2

这种原材料的稀缺导致了全球供应链的混乱。

The scarcity of this raw material led to chaos in the global supply chain.

Complex cause-and-effect sentence.

3

在数字化时代,人们的注意力成了稀缺资源。

In the digital age, people's attention has become a scarce resource.

Metaphorical use of 'resource'.

4

尽管资源稀缺,该项目还是取得了成功。

Despite the scarcity of resources, the project still achieved success.

Using '尽管...还是...' (despite... still...).

5

政府通过法律来管理这些稀缺的自然遗产。

The government manages these scarce natural heritages through laws.

Using '通过...来...' (by means of... to...).

6

这种病症的特效药在全世界范围内都极其稀缺。

The specific medicine for this condition is extremely scarce worldwide.

Using '在...范围内' (within the scope of).

7

人才的稀缺性迫使企业提高福利待遇。

The scarcity of talent forced companies to improve welfare benefits.

Using '迫使' (force/compel).

8

投资者总是倾向于寻找稀缺的投资机会。

Investors always tend to look for scarce investment opportunities.

Using '倾向于' (tend to).

1

稀缺性原则在市场营销中被广泛运用以刺激消费。

The principle of scarcity is widely used in marketing to stimulate consumption.

Using '被广泛运用' (is widely applied).

2

淡水资源的稀缺已成为制约该地区发展的瓶颈。

The scarcity of freshwater resources has become a bottleneck restricting the region's development.

Using '制约' (restrict) and '瓶颈' (bottleneck).

3

在高度竞争的市场中,独特的品牌形象是稀缺资产。

In a highly competitive market, a unique brand image is a scarce asset.

Using '高度竞争' (highly competitive).

4

该论文深入探讨了后疫情时代劳动力稀缺的成因。

The paper explores in depth the causes of labor scarcity in the post-pandemic era.

Using '深入探讨' (explore in depth).

5

稀缺的不仅是物质,更是人与人之间的信任。

What is scarce is not only material goods, but also trust between people.

Using '不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).

6

由于地理位置的特殊性,该地块具有极高的稀缺价值。

Due to the uniqueness of its geographical location, this plot of land has extremely high scarcity value.

Using '具有' (to possess/have).

7

我们需要重新审视资源稀缺背景下的城市规划逻辑。

We need to re-examine the logic of urban planning against the backdrop of resource scarcity.

Using '重新审视' (re-examine) and '背景下' (under the background of).

8

稀缺性往往是由于过度开发和分配不公造成的。

Scarcity is often caused by over-exploitation and unfair distribution.

Using '由于...造成的' (caused by).

1

在宏观经济调控中,如何平衡资源的稀缺性与社会公平是一大挑战。

In macroeconomic regulation, how to balance resource scarcity with social equity is a major challenge.

Sophisticated economic vocabulary.

2

稀缺之物,虽不可得,却往往成为人类追求的终极目标。

Scarce things, though unattainable, often become the ultimate goal of human pursuit.

Literary style using '虽...却...'.

3

该学说认为,稀缺性是人类文明演进的原始动力。

The theory holds that scarcity is the original driving force behind the evolution of human civilization.

Using '该学说认为' (The theory holds that).

4

在信息爆炸的今天,深度思考的能力已演变为一种稀缺的奢侈品。

In today's information explosion, the ability for deep thinking has evolved into a scarce luxury.

Using '演变为' (evolve into).

5

稀缺资源的争夺往往是地缘政治冲突的导火索。

The struggle for scarce resources is often the fuse for geopolitical conflicts.

Using '导火索' (fuse/trigger).

6

我们应当警惕那种将稀缺性作为剥削工具的商业模式。

We should be wary of business models that use scarcity as a tool for exploitation.

Using '警惕' (be wary of) and '作为' (as).

7

稀缺性不仅定义了经济学,也深刻地塑造了人类的心理结构。

Scarcity not only defines economics but also profoundly shapes the psychological structure of humans.

Using '深刻地塑造' (profoundly shape).

8

在艺术领域,原创性的稀缺赋予了作品跨越时空的生命力。

In the field of art, the scarcity of originality endows works with vitality across time and space.

Using '赋予' (endow/bestow).

Common Collocations

稀缺资源
稀缺人才
极度稀缺
稀缺性
稀缺物资
土地稀缺
注意力稀缺
资源稀缺性
稀缺产品
能源稀缺

Common Phrases

稀缺心态

— A psychological state where people focus on what they lack, leading to poor decision making.

稀缺心态会限制一个人的视野。

稀缺资源配置

— The allocation of scarce resources, a core concept in economics.

合理的稀缺资源配置对社会至关重要。

稀缺性原则

— The principle that things that are harder to get are perceived as more valuable.

营销人员经常利用稀缺性原则来卖货。

稀缺岗位

— Job positions that are hard to fill due to a lack of qualified candidates.

人工智能专家是目前的稀缺岗位。

稀缺品种

— A rare or scarce breed or variety (of plants, animals, or items).

这种兰花属于稀缺品种。

全球稀缺

— Something that is in short supply all over the world.

芯片已经成为了全球稀缺的商品。

长期稀缺

— A shortage that lasts for a very long time.

该地区的淡水长期稀缺。

人为稀缺

— Scarcity created intentionally (e.g., limited editions).

奢侈品牌往往通过制造人为稀缺来提高身价。

极度稀缺

— Extreme scarcity.

在灾区,干净的饮用水极度稀缺。

面临稀缺

— To face a scarcity of something.

许多发展中国家面临能源稀缺的困境。

Often Confused With

稀缺 vs 稀少 (xīshǎo)

Refers to small numbers/density (e.g., people on a street), while 稀缺 refers to a shortage relative to demand.

稀缺 vs 缺少 (quēshǎo)

A verb meaning 'to lack' (e.g., I lack money), while 稀缺 is an adjective describing the state of the resource.

稀缺 vs 罕见 (hǎnjiàn)

Means 'rarely seen' (e.g., a rare bird or event), while 稀缺 implies 'not enough to use'.

Idioms & Expressions

"物以稀为贵"

— Things are valued when they are rare. This is the closest idiomatic expression to the concept of scarcity value.

俗话说物以稀为贵,所以这种稀缺的宝石才这么贵。

Common Idiom
"供不应求"

— Supply fails to meet demand. This describes the situation that leads to scarcity.

这种新手机现在供不应求,市场非常稀缺。

Business/Daily
"凤毛麟角"

— As rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Used for extremely rare and precious things or people.

像他这样的人才在行业内真是凤毛麟角。

Literary
"微乎其微"

— Very little; next to nothing. Describes the quantity of something scarce.

这种矿物质在土壤中的含量微乎其微。

Formal
"捉襟见肘"

— To have too many problems to deal with; short of funds. Often used when money/resources are scarce.

由于资金稀缺,公司的运营已经捉襟见肘。

Literary
"寥寥无几"

— Very few; can be counted on one's fingers.

幸存者寥寥无几,救援物资也十分稀缺。

Neutral
"不可多得"

— Hard to come by; rare and valuable.

这是一部不可多得的优秀作品。

Formal
"绝无仅有"

— Unique; one of a kind. The ultimate state of scarcity.

这种设计在世界上是绝无仅有的。

Formal
"百里挑一"

— One in a hundred; cream of the crop.

这些稀缺人才是百里挑一选出来的。

Common
"寥若晨星"

— As sparse as the morning stars. Describes something that is very rare.

坚持到最后的志愿者寥若晨星。

Literary

Easily Confused

稀缺 vs 匮乏

Both mean 'lacking' or 'scarce'.

匮乏 is more extreme and formal, often used for spiritual or life-essential total lack.

精神生活匮乏 vs. 资源稀缺

稀缺 vs 紧缺

Both mean 'in short supply'.

紧缺 implies an urgent, temporary 'tightness' in supply (like during a crisis).

电力紧缺 vs. 土地稀缺

稀缺 vs 稀有

Both relate to 'rare'.

稀有 emphasizes the specialness or biological rarity (rare animals).

稀有金属 vs. 稀缺资源

稀缺 vs 短缺

Both mean 'shortage'.

短缺 is often a noun or a direct description of a gap in quantity.

粮食短缺 vs. 资源稀缺

稀缺 vs 稀薄

Starts with '稀'.

稀薄 specifically means 'thin' or 'diluted' (like air at high altitudes).

空气稀薄 vs. 资源稀缺

Sentence Patterns

A2

这里 [Noun] 很稀缺。

这里水很稀缺。

B1

由于 [Reason],[Noun] 变得非常稀缺。

由于干旱,粮食变得非常稀缺。

B1

[Noun] 是一种稀缺资源。

时间是一种稀缺资源。

B2

[Noun] 的稀缺性决定了它的价格。

宝石的稀缺性决定了它的价格。

B2

面临 [Noun] 稀缺的挑战。

我们面临能源稀缺的挑战。

C1

[Noun] 的稀缺已成为制约 [Something] 的瓶颈。

人才的稀缺已成为制约公司发展的瓶颈。

C1

在...背景下,...显得尤为稀缺。

在战争背景下,和平显得尤为稀缺。

C2

将 [Noun] 视为稀缺资产。

他将个人信誉视为稀缺资产。

Word Family

Nouns

稀缺性 (xīquēxìng) - Scarcity (the concept)
稀缺资源 (xīquē zīyuán) - Scarce resource

Verbs

缺少 (quēshǎo) - To lack
缺失 (quēshī) - To be missing/absent

Adjectives

稀有 (xīyǒu) - Rare
稀少 (xīshǎo) - Sparse/Few
稀薄 (xībó) - Thin (as in air)

Related

资源 (zīyuán) - Resource
分配 (fēnpèi) - Allocation
需求 (xūqiú) - Demand
供应 (gōngyìng) - Supply
价值 (jiàzhí) - Value

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and academic contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • 我稀缺时间。 我时间很紧 / 我的时间很稀缺。

    稀缺 is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot '稀缺' something.

  • 街上的人很稀缺。 街上的人很稀少。

    Use 稀少 for low density/numbers. 稀缺 implies a resource shortage.

  • 由于水稀缺... 由于水资源稀缺...

    In formal writing, it's better to say 'water resources' (水资源) are scarce rather than just 'water'.

  • 这种日食很稀缺。 这种日食很罕见。

    Events are 'rarely seen' (罕见), not 'scarce' (稀缺).

  • 稀缺的笔。 缺笔 / 没笔。

    Don't use 稀缺 for trivial daily items unless there is a global crisis of that item.

Tips

Verb vs. Adjective

Remember that 稀缺 is an adjective. Don't say 'We 稀缺 something.' Say 'Something is 稀缺' or 'We face a 稀缺 situation.'

The 'Demand' Rule

If people want it and there isn't enough, use 稀缺. If there's just a small number of them, use 稀少.

Formal Tone

Use 稀缺 in business emails or essays to sound more professional than using '很少'.

News Keywords

When you see 稀缺 in a headline, look for the 'resource' it is describing (water, chips, land).

Economic Logic

In Chinese culture, 稀缺 is often linked to '竞争' (competition). If something is scarce, people will compete for it.

Character Breakdown

稀 (Sparse) + 缺 (Lack) = Scarcity. Focus on the 'lack' part to remember it's a problem.

Abstract Use

Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things like 'trust' or 'attention' in a poetic context.

Fixed Phrases

Learn '稀缺资源' as one single block of meaning. It's the most common way to use the word.

Tone Accuracy

Pay attention to the high-flat Tone 1 for both syllables. It sounds 'stable' and 'sharp'.

HSK/BCT Tip

This word often appears in the reading section of higher-level Chinese exams (HSK 5+ or Business Chinese).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a field of grain (禾) where the plants are very 'Xī' (sparse). Then imagine a pot (缶) with a 'Quē' (gap/crack). If your field is sparse and your pot is cracked, you have 'Xīquē' (scarcity) of food!

Visual Association

Picture a desert with a single, tiny, cracked water bottle. The vast dryness is the '稀' (rarity) and the cracked bottle is the '缺' (lack).

Word Web

Economics Water Talent Rare Demand Supply Shortage Value

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about things that are '稀缺' in your own life (e.g., time, sleep, or a specific hobby item).

Word Origin

The word 稀缺 is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters. 稀 (xī) originally referred to the spacing of rice seedlings in a field (the left part '禾' means grain). 缺 (quē) originally meant a chip or break in a pottery vessel (the left part '缶' means pottery). Together, they evolved to mean something that is both spread thin and incomplete.

Original meaning: Sparsely distributed and lacking/incomplete.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 稀缺 to describe people's qualities in a negative way; it's better suited for professional 'talent' or 'skills'.

English speakers often use 'scarcity' in economic classes but use 'shortage' or 'rare' in daily life. In Chinese, 稀缺 is used in both serious news and professional discussions.

The book 'Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much' (translated as 《稀缺:我们是如何陷入贫穷与忙碌的》) is very popular in Chinese intellectual circles. The 'Resource Scarcity' theory in Chinese environmental policy. Marketing campaigns for limited edition 'Guochao' (national trend) products.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Economics Class

  • 稀缺资源配置
  • 稀缺性原则
  • 需求超过供应
  • 市场价值

Environmental News

  • 淡水稀缺
  • 能源危机
  • 保护稀缺物种
  • 气候变化的影响

Job Interview

  • 稀缺人才
  • 核心竞争力
  • 行业经验
  • 跨学科背景

Real Estate

  • 土地稀缺
  • 黄金地段
  • 升值空间
  • 稀缺房源

Psychology

  • 稀缺心态
  • 认知负担
  • 长期规划
  • 心理资源

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在现代生活中,什么是最稀缺的资源?"

"由于芯片稀缺,你买电子产品的时候遇到过困难吗?"

"在你们国家,水资源稀缺是一个严重的问题吗?"

"你认为“注意力稀缺”是如何影响我们的学习的?"

"为什么有些稀缺的艺术品能卖出这么高的价格?"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你因为某种物资稀缺而感到困扰的经历。

论述为什么“时间”是人类最稀缺的资源,以及你如何管理它。

如果你拥有一种稀缺的技能,你会如何利用它来帮助他人?

分析你所在城市中哪种资源最稀缺,并提出改进建议。

反思一下,你是否有过“稀缺心态”?它是如何影响你的决定的?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only in a professional or collective sense, like '稀缺人才' (scarce talent). You wouldn't use it to say 'There are few people in the room.' For that, use '人很少'.

It is primarily an adjective (e.g., '稀缺的资源'), but it can function as a noun in academic contexts (e.g., '资源的稀缺'). Adding '性' (稀缺性) makes it a definitive noun meaning 'scarcity'.

缺少 is a verb (Subject + 缺少 + Object). 稀缺 is an adjective (Subject + 很 + 稀缺). You say '我缺少经验' but '经验在这个行业很稀缺'.

Use 匮乏 when the lack is extreme or relates to abstract things like 'imagination' or 'spirit.' 稀缺 is better for economic resources like 'oil' or 'chips'.

It is common among educated adults, especially when discussing work, the economy, or the environment. It's less common in very casual settings like buying groceries.

It sounds a bit formal. In daily life, people say '缺钱' or '没钱.' If you say '资金稀缺,' it sounds like you are talking about a company's or government's budget.

Usually, yes. In economics, scarcity drives up value. However, something could be scarce but not valuable if nobody wants it (though by definition, 稀缺 implies demand).

It is '稀缺心态' (xīquē xīntài). It is a popular term in modern Chinese self-help and psychology.

The most direct opposites are 充足 (chōngzú - sufficient) or 丰富 (fēngfù - abundant). In economics, the opposite is 过剩 (guòshèng - surplus).

Usually '罕见病' (hǎnjiànbìng) is used for rare diseases. However, '稀缺' might be used to describe the medicine for that disease.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '稀缺资源' (scarce resources).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Translate to Chinese: 'In this city, land is very scarce.'

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writing

Use '稀缺' to describe a professional skill.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'time' being scarce.

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writing

Describe the impact of 'chip scarcity' on cars.

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writing

Write a formal sentence about 'freshwater scarcity'.

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writing

Explain '物以稀为贵' using 稀缺.

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writing

Translate: 'We must protect these scarce wild animals.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '极度稀缺'.

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writing

Use '稀缺性' in a sentence about price.

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writing

Describe a 'scarcity mindset'.

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writing

Translate: 'Housing is scarce in the city center.'

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writing

Write a short dialogue using '稀缺'.

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writing

Describe 'talent scarcity' in a company.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'energy scarcity'.

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writing

Use '变得稀缺' in a sentence about the environment.

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writing

Translate: 'Scarcity is a key concept in economics.'

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writing

Explain why a diamond is expensive using 稀缺.

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writing

Write a sentence using '人为稀缺'.

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writing

Use '对...来说' and '稀缺'.

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speaking

Pronounce '稀缺' clearly with Tone 1 for both syllables.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Water is scarce' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'Scarce resources' in Chinese.

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speaking

Explain '物以稀为贵' in your own words (in Chinese).

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speaking

Say 'Time is a scarce resource' in Chinese.

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speaking

Describe a 'shortage of talent' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'Extremely scarce' with correct tones.

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speaking

Answer the question: 为什么这里的房子这么贵? (Because land is scarce).

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speaking

Say 'Scarcity mindset' in Chinese.

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speaking

Use '稀缺' to talk about chips in a car.

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speaking

Say 'We face a scarcity of resources' in Chinese.

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speaking

Describe 'freshwater scarcity' in a full sentence.

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speaking

Translate and speak: 'He is a scarce talent.'

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speaking

Say 'Artificial scarcity' in Chinese.

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speaking

Explain why diamonds are expensive (in Chinese).

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speaking

Say 'The scarcity of land' in Chinese.

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speaking

Use '变得' and '稀缺' in a sentence.

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speaking

Translate and speak: 'Attention is a scarce asset.'

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speaking

Answer: 什么是经济学的核心? (The allocation of scarce resources).

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speaking

Say 'In the desert, everything is scarce.'

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listening

Listen to the phrase: '极度稀缺的淡水'. What is scarce?

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listening

Listen: '这种人才非常稀缺'. Is the talent easy to find?

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listening

Listen: '土地资源的稀缺性'. What noun is being discussed?

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listening

Listen: '由于资源稀缺,价格上涨了'. Why did the price rise?

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listening

Listen: '稀缺心态'. Is this a physical object or a mental state?

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listening

Listen: '这种金属在地球上很稀缺'. Where is it scarce?

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listening

Listen: '我们要保护稀缺物种'. What should we do?

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listening

Listen: '稀缺性原则'. What field is this likely from?

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listening

Listen: '房源十分稀缺'. Is it a good time to buy a house?

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listening

Listen: '面临人才稀缺的困境'. What is the problem?

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listening

Listen: '时间是稀缺的奢侈品'. What is time compared to?

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listening

Listen: '由于电力稀缺,工厂停工'. What happened to the factory?

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listening

Listen: '稀缺物资运输'. What is being transported?

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listening

Listen: '人为制造的稀缺'. Is this natural?

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listening

Listen: '稀缺性决定价值'. What determines value?

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writing

Write a sentence using '稀缺性' (scarcity).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Translate: 'During the winter, fresh vegetables are scarce.'

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writing

Write a sentence about why 'attention' is scarce in the digital age.

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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