B2 verb Formal 1 min read

不乏

bufa /pu⁵¹ fa³⁵/

'不乏' is a formal way to state that specific examples are plentiful within a certain category.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'there is no lack of' or 'not lacking in'.
  • Primarily used in formal writing and professional contexts.
  • Highlights the presence of specific examples within a group.

概览

“不乏”是一个带有书面语色彩的动词。它由否定词“不”和动词“乏”(缺少、匮乏)组成。在现代汉语中,它不仅仅表示“有”,更侧重于强调在众多的事物中,某类特定的例子并不少见,具有一定的强调语气。 2) 用法模式: 最常见的结构是“……中不乏……”(Among ..., there is no lack of ...)。它后面通常接名词性短语,如“不乏其人”、“不乏先例”或“不乏优秀的作品”。 3) 常见语境: 这一词汇广泛应用于正式的文学作品、新闻评论、学术论文以及正式演讲中。当作者想要客观地指出某种现象的普遍性,或者在列举事实以支持论点时,常会用到“不乏”。 4) 同类词比较: 与“不少”或“很多”相比,“不乏”显得更加庄重和正式。它往往隐含着一种从大背景中筛选出特定对象的逻辑。例如,说“这里有很多高手”是简单的陈述,而说“这里不乏高手”则带有一种赞赏或强调这些高手在人群中确实存在的意味。

Examples

1

生活中的美并不乏见,只是缺少发现美的眼睛。

everyday

Beauty in life is not lacking; it is only the eyes to discover it that are missing.

2

纵观历史,不乏以少胜多的著名战例。

formal

Throughout history, there is no lack of famous battles where the few defeated the many.

3

虽然他是新人,但朋友圈里不乏支持他的声音。

informal

Although he is a newcomer, there is no shortage of voices supporting him in his social circle.

4

在该领域的研究中,并不乏对传统理论的挑战者。

academic

In research within this field, there is no lack of challengers to traditional theories.

Common Collocations

不乏其人 There is no lack of such people.
不乏先例 There is no lack of precedents.
并不乏见 Not uncommon to see.

Common Phrases

不乏其人

There's no lack of such people.

不乏其例

There's no lack of such examples.

并不乏味

Not boring (literal: not lacking in flavor).

Often Confused With

不乏 vs 不少

'不少' is neutral and used in both speech and writing, while '不乏' is more formal and emphasizes existence within a group.

不乏 vs 缺乏

'缺乏' is the antonym, meaning 'to lack' or 'to be short of'.

Grammar Patterns

[Category/Group] + 中 + 不乏 + [Specific Object] 不乏 + [Adjective] + 之 + [Noun] 不乏其人 / 不乏其例

How to Use It

Usage Notes

It is predominantly used in written Chinese. It carries a formal and objective tone. When using it, the speaker often implies that while the examples might not be the majority, they are significant enough to be noted.


Common Mistakes

A common error is using it as a simple replacement for 'have' (有) in casual settings. Another mistake is using it for concrete objects in a shopping context, where '不缺' is more appropriate.

Tips

💡

Enhance Your Writing Register

Replace '有很多' with '不乏' in essays or reports to sound more sophisticated and precise.

⚠️

Avoid Physical Inventory Contexts

Do not use '不乏' for simple physical counts like 'I don't lack apples'; it is for categories and types.

🌍

Classical Chinese Influence

The word reflects the economy of Classical Chinese, where single characters like '乏' carry deep meaning.

Word Origin

Derived from the Classical Chinese '乏' (deficiency). The negation '不' creates a double negative effect to emphasize abundance or existence.

Cultural Context

In Chinese rhetoric, using double negatives like '不乏' (not lacking) is a common way to sound humble yet authoritative.

Memory Tip

Remember '乏' (fá) means 'fatigued' or 'lacking'. 'Bù fá' means 'not lacking'—there's plenty of energy or examples left!

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

可以,但它会使你的谈话显得比较正式或文雅。在非常随意的场合,人们通常会直接说“有很多”或“不少”。

这是一个非常常用的固定短语,意思是“不缺少这样的人”,通常用来指代前面提到过的某种类型的人。

通常不直接接形容词。如果要接,通常需要加上“之”和名词,例如“不乏勇敢之士”,或者使用“者”字结构,如“不乏勇敢者”。

“不少”是中性词,口语书面语皆可;“不乏”更正式,且常用于强调某种特定属性的例子在整体中是存在的。

Test Yourself

fill blank

在这些成功的创业者中,___出身寒门的年轻人。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

此处表达“不缺少”或“有很多”出身寒门的年轻人,且语境正式,故选“不乏”。

multiple choice

这个城市___美丽的风景。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

虽然其他选项语法也通,但在正式书面语中,“不乏”最为得体。

sentence building

1. 历史上 / 2. 不乏 / 3. 变法图强 / 4. 之例

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

正确顺序为:历史上(状语)不乏(谓语)变法图强之例(宾语)。

Score: /3

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