Jǐnquē signifies a critical shortage where demand significantly outstrips supply.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something in very short supply.
- Implies unmet demand and urgency.
- Commonly used for resources, talent, or goods.
Overview
“紧缺”是一个常用的汉语词汇，用来形容某种东西的数量非常少，以至于不能满足需求。这个词语带有紧迫感和稀缺性，暗示着需要采取措施来解决供应不足的问题。它不仅指数量上的匮乏，也可能包含获取上的困难。
“紧缺”通常用作谓语或定语。作为谓语时，它直接描述主语的状态，例如“人才紧缺”、“资金紧缺”。作为定语时，它修饰名词，如“紧缺的资源”、“紧缺的药品”。它经常与“的”连用，构成“紧缺的 + 名词”。
这个词语经常出现在新闻报道、经济分析、社会评论以及日常生活中。例如，在谈论经济发展时，可能会提到“技术人才紧缺”；在讨论医疗资源时，可能会说“某些药品出现紧缺”；在描述生活状况时，也可能用“水资源紧缺”。
与“短缺”相比，“紧缺”更强调供应上的不足和紧迫性，有时带有更强的负面含义，暗示着问题需要立即解决。而“短缺”则更中性，仅仅表示数量不够。
与“稀缺”相比，“紧缺”更侧重于供需关系的不平衡，即需求大于供应，而“稀缺”则更侧重于物品本身的数量就很少，不一定与需求直接挂钩。
与“匮乏”相比，“紧缺”通常用于具体的、可量化的物品或资源，而“匮乏”的范围更广，可以指精神上的、物质上的，甚至能力上的不足，如“知识匮乏”。
Examples
由于疫情影响，一些地区的医疗物资出现紧缺。
everydayDue to the pandemic's impact, medical supplies in some regions are in short supply.
公司面临着高级技术人才紧缺的局面。
formalThe company is facing a shortage of senior technical talent.
哎呀，最近找个好点的保姆可真难，简直太紧缺了！
informalOh dear, it's really hard to find a good nanny lately, they're just so scarce!
在全球气候变化的背景下，淡水资源正变得日益紧缺。
academicAgainst the backdrop of global climate change, freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
供不应求
supply cannot meet demand
僧多粥少
too many monks and too little porridge (more people than resources)
捉襟见肘
pull the lapel and the elbow is exposed (financially strained, unable to make ends meet)
Often Confused With
'Jǐnquē' (紧缺) emphasizes urgency and a critical lack, often implying immediate consequences. 'Duǎnquē' (短缺) is a more general term for shortage without the same level of urgency.
'Jǐnquē' (紧缺) specifically refers to a situation where demand exceeds supply. 'Xīquē' (稀缺) describes something that is inherently rare or not abundant, regardless of demand.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'jǐnquē' to describe situations where there isn't enough of something to meet the demand. It often implies a problem that needs addressing. The term is frequently used in news reports and economic discussions. It can apply to tangible items like goods and resources, as well as intangible ones like talent.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'jǐnquē' for everyday items that are temporarily out of stock; reserve it for more significant or persistent shortages. Ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of supply relative to demand. Do not confuse it with words meaning 'rare' if the issue is specifically about unmet demand.
Tips
Understand Supply and Demand
Think of 'jǐnquē' when demand is high and supply is low, creating a difficult situation.
Avoid Overuse
While useful, don't overuse 'jǐnquē' for minor shortages. Reserve it for significant or urgent supply issues.
Resource Scarcity Awareness
The concept of 'jǐnquē' reflects an awareness of resource limitations, common in densely populated or developing regions.
Word Origin
The word is composed of 'jǐn' (紧), meaning tight, urgent, or close, and 'quē' (缺), meaning lack or shortage. Together, they vividly describe a situation of urgent scarcity.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'jǐnquē' is particularly relevant in discussions about economic development and resource management in China, reflecting the challenges of balancing rapid growth with limited resources.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tight (紧 jǐn) situation where something is urgently needed (缺 quē). It's a tight, lacking situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“紧缺”比“短缺”更强调供应的不足和紧迫性，有时暗示需要立即解决。“短缺”则是一个更中性的词，仅仅表示数量不够。
“紧缺”可以用于形容各种资源，如人力资源（人才紧缺）、物资（药品紧缺）、资金（资金紧缺）以及自然资源（水资源紧缺）等。
“紧缺”表示一种严重的不足，供不应求，情况比较紧急。
虽然“紧缺”更常用于具体的物品和资源，但有时也可以用来形容一些抽象的概念，比如“关注紧缺”或“时间紧缺”，但这种情况相对较少。
Test Yourself
目前，市场上这种型号的芯片非常______，导致下游厂商生产受限。
句子描述了芯片数量少，不能满足需求，因此“紧缺”是最合适的词。
下列哪个选项最能表达“紧缺”的含义？
“紧缺”的核心意思是供应不足，无法满足需求。
的 / 资源 / 紧缺 / 许多 / 地区 / 发展 / 影响 / 了 / 严重
这个选项将“资源紧缺”作为一个整体来修饰“影响”，表述最为自然和准确。
Score: /3
Summary
Jǐnquē signifies a critical shortage where demand significantly outstrips supply.
- Describes something in very short supply.
- Implies unmet demand and urgency.
- Commonly used for resources, talent, or goods.
Understand Supply and Demand
Think of 'jǐnquē' when demand is high and supply is low, creating a difficult situation.
Avoid Overuse
While useful, don't overuse 'jǐnquē' for minor shortages. Reserve it for significant or urgent supply issues.
Resource Scarcity Awareness
The concept of 'jǐnquē' reflects an awareness of resource limitations, common in densely populated or developing regions.
Examples
4 of 4由于疫情影响，一些地区的医疗物资出现紧缺。
Due to the pandemic's impact, medical supplies in some regions are in short supply.
公司面临着高级技术人才紧缺的局面。
The company is facing a shortage of senior technical talent.
哎呀，最近找个好点的保姆可真难，简直太紧缺了！
Oh dear, it's really hard to find a good nanny lately, they're just so scarce!
在全球气候变化的背景下，淡水资源正变得日益紧缺。
Against the backdrop of global climate change, freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce.
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