At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words like '부족해요' (not enough). However, you might hear '미흡하다' in very polite settings or on the news. Think of it as a 'super polite' way to say something is not perfect. At this stage, just remember that if you see '미흡' in a sentence, it means something is missing or not quite right. You don't need to use it yourself yet, but recognizing it will help you understand formal announcements. For example, if a teacher says your homework is '미흡해요', they want you to add more detail. It is an adjective, so it describes things. It is often used with '점이' (points/aspects) to say 'there are some points that are not enough.' Even though this is an A2 word, A1 learners can benefit from knowing it is a more 'grown-up' version of '안 좋아요' (is not good). It helps you sound more respectful when you talk about your own skills. Instead of saying 'I am bad at Korean,' you can say 'My Korean is still 미흡합니다.' This sounds very humble and nice to Korean ears. Always remember to use it with the subject marker -이 or -가. You are not '미흡', your 'skills' or 'preparation' are '미흡'. This is a key grammar point even for beginners.
At the A2 level, you should start recognizing the difference between '부족하다' and '미흡하다'. '부족하다' is for when you don't have enough of something you can count, like money, time, or apples. '미흡하다' is for when the *quality* of something isn't good enough, or it doesn't meet a standard. For example, if you write a short story in Korean and it's too short, it's '부족하다'. If the story is long enough but the grammar is messy and the ending is confusing, it's '미흡하다'. You will see this word often in school feedback or in simple news articles. It's a great word to use when you want to be humble. When someone praises your Korean, you can say '아직 미흡해요' (I'm still lacking/inadequate). This is a very common social expression. You should also learn the form '미흡한 점' (shortcomings/lacking points). This is used a lot in self-introductions. For example, '미흡한 점이 많지만 열심히 하겠습니다' (I have many shortcomings, but I will work hard). This sentence is a 'magic phrase' for job interviews or joining a new club. It shows you are modest and willing to improve. Practice using it in the polite '-아요/어요' or formal '-습니다' endings, as it is rarely used in very casual speech.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '미흡하다' in professional and academic contexts. You will encounter this word in business emails, reports, and more complex news stories. It's important to understand its nuance of 'failing to meet a standard.' If a company releases a product and the public thinks it's not good enough, the news will say the product's quality is '미흡하다'. You should also be able to use the adverbial form '미흡하게' to describe how something was done. For example, '업무를 미흡하게 처리했다' (handled the work inadequately). This level requires you to distinguish between '미흡하다' and '불충분하다'. While both mean insufficient, '불충분하다' is more about logical sufficiency (like evidence or data), whereas '미흡하다' often carries a sense of dissatisfaction with the effort or quality. You can use '미흡하다' to give constructive criticism. Instead of saying a colleague's idea is 'bad,' you can say '이 부분은 설명이 좀 미흡한 것 같아요' (I think the explanation in this part is a bit inadequate). This sounds much more professional and less like a personal attack. You should also start noticing how it's used in government critiques, often paired with words like '대책' (measures) or '대응' (response). Knowing this word will significantly improve your ability to understand Korean media and participate in office discussions.
At the B2 level, '미흡하다' becomes a tool for nuanced argumentation and formal critique. You should be comfortable using it in written essays (쓰기) and formal discussions (토론). At this level, you should understand that '미흡하다' implies a gap between the expected ideal and the actual result. It is frequently used in the context of policy evaluation and legal discussions. For example, you might argue that a new environmental law is '미흡하다' because it doesn't penalize large corporations enough. You should also be familiar with common collocations like '미흡함을 보완하다' (to make up for/supplement the inadequacies). This is a very high-level way to talk about improvement. In literature or high-level journalism, '미흡하다' can be used to describe abstract concepts like 'logical consistency' or 'emotional depth.' You should also be able to use it in self-reflection for professional portfolios, identifying specific '미흡한 점' and explaining how you overcame them. The word's Hanja roots (未洽) can help you understand its connection to other words starting with '미' (not yet), like '미완성' (incomplete) or '미해결' (unresolved). This level of understanding allows you to use the word not just as a synonym for 'lacking,' but as a precise descriptor of failure to reach a benchmark. You should also pay attention to how the word is used to soften criticism in a hierarchical society, acting as a euphemism for more blunt terms.
At the C1 level, your use of '미흡하다' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in formal settings. You should understand the subtle rhetorical weight the word carries. In a high-level academic paper, '미흡하다' is used to point out gaps in previous research—this is a standard way to justify the need for your own study. For instance, '기존 연구는 이 현상의 원인 분석이 미흡했다' (Previous research was inadequate in analyzing the causes of this phenomenon). You should also recognize its use in administrative law and public policy, where '미흡하다' can be a formal legal finding that leads to sanctions or the requirement of corrective measures. Furthermore, you should be able to appreciate the word's use in literary criticism to describe a work's stylistic or thematic shortcomings. At this level, you should also be aware of the social dynamics of the word. In a corporate hierarchy, a superior using '미흡하다' towards a subordinate's work is a clear sign of dissatisfaction that requires immediate attention, whereas a subordinate using it about their own work is a required form of professional humility. You should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, such as '미흡하나마' (though it is inadequate/modest), which is often used when presenting a gift or a small contribution: '미흡하나마 도움이 되었으면 좋겠습니다' (I hope this is of some help, however modest it may be). This shows a deep understanding of Korean social etiquette and linguistic nuance.
At the C2 level, you possess a masterly grasp of '미흡하다' and its place within the broader landscape of Korean formal and literary vocabulary. You understand not only its direct meaning but also its evocative power in political discourse and high-level negotiations. You can distinguish between '미흡하다' and even more obscure synonyms like '미진하다' (unfinished/lackluster) or '부진하다' (slumping/poor performance). In a C2 context, '미흡하다' might be used to describe the failure of a grand historical movement or the shortcomings of a philosophical system. You understand how the word functions in the 'apology culture' of Korean public life, where officials use it to take responsibility without necessarily admitting to a specific crime, framing the issue as an 'inadequacy of oversight' rather than 'corruption.' Your writing should utilize '미흡하다' to create a tone of objective, dispassionate analysis. You can also use it ironically or for stylistic effect in creative writing to highlight the 'inadequacy' of human effort against fate or nature. You are comfortable with all grammatical permutations, including archaic or highly formal endings that might appear in historical dramas or legal documents from a few decades ago. Ultimately, '미흡하다' is no longer just a vocabulary item to you; it is a conceptual lens through which you can analyze and describe the complexities of standards, expectations, and the inevitable gaps in human achievement.

미흡하다 em 30 segundos

  • 미흡하다 is a formal adjective meaning 'insufficient' or 'inadequate.'
  • It focuses on quality and standards rather than just quantity.
  • Commonly used in business, news, and humble self-introductions.
  • Often paired with '점' (point) or '부분' (part) to indicate shortcomings.

The Korean word 미흡하다 (mi-heup-ha-da) is a sophisticated adjective that translates most closely to 'insufficient,' 'inadequate,' or 'unsatisfactory.' While it shares some semantic ground with the more common word 부족하다 (to be lacking), 미흡하다 carries a specific nuance of failing to meet a certain expectation, standard, or requirement. It suggests that while something might exist or have been performed, the quality or quantity is not quite 'enough' to be considered complete or successful. This word is heavily utilized in formal settings, such as business reports, academic evaluations, and news broadcasts, where a precise and professional tone is required to point out shortcomings.

Formal Evaluation
In a professional context, if a manager describes your report as 미흡하다, they are saying it lacks necessary detail or fails to address the core objectives. It sounds more objective and less personal than saying the work is 'bad.'

이번 보고서는 자료 조사가 다소 미흡하다는 평가를 받았습니다. (This report received an evaluation that the data research was somewhat inadequate.)

The etymology of the word comes from Hanja: 未 (미 - not yet) and 洽 (흡 - to soak/to be sufficient). Literally, it means 'not yet fully soaked' or 'not yet sufficient.' This imagery helps understand its use: imagine a sponge that is only half-wet when it should be fully saturated. In daily life, you might use it when apologizing for a gift that you feel isn't good enough, or when a government official addresses the public about a failed policy. It is a word that acknowledges a gap between the 'ideal state' and the 'current reality.'

Self-Deprecation (Politeness)
Koreans often use this word to be humble. For example, '제 실력이 아직 미흡합니다' (My skills are still inadequate) is a polite way to say you are still learning, even if you are quite skilled.

준비가 미흡해서 죄송합니다. (I am sorry that the preparations were inadequate.)

Furthermore, the word is frequently paired with adverbs like '다소' (somewhat) or '여전히' (still) to soften or emphasize the lack. In legal or administrative contexts, it is the standard term for 'non-compliance' or 'insufficient evidence.' If a police investigation is described as 미흡하다, it means they didn't find enough clues or didn't follow the right procedures. It is a powerful word because it points to a specific failure of process or quality rather than just a general lack of something.

Social Context
When a new law is passed but doesn't solve the problem, critics will say the law is 미흡하다. It implies that more work needs to be done to reach the goal.

새로운 안전 대책은 아직 여러 면에서 미흡하다. (The new safety measures are still inadequate in many ways.)

설명이 미흡하여 이해하기 어렵습니다. (The explanation is insufficient, so it is hard to understand.)

Using 미흡하다 correctly requires understanding its role as a descriptive verb (adjective) in Korean. It follows standard adjective conjugation rules. For instance, in the present tense, it becomes 미흡합니다 (formal), 미흡해요 (polite), or 미흡해 (informal). Because it is often used in formal situations, you will most frequently encounter the -습니다 or -ㄴ/은 noun-modifying forms.

Noun Modification
To describe a noun, you use 미흡한. For example, '미흡한 부분' (insufficient part/shortcoming) or '미흡한 점' (inadequate point). This is the most common way to point out specific errors in a document or performance.

제가 미흡한 점이 많아도 잘 부탁드립니다. (Even though I have many shortcomings, please look after me.)

When explaining a cause or reason, you use the -어서/아서 form: 미흡해서. This is essential when apologizing or explaining why a certain result was achieved. If you are a student and your grades were low because you didn't study enough, you might say your preparation was 미흡해서 the exam was difficult. In business, if a deal falls through, the post-mortem might state that the market analysis was 미흡했기 때문에 (because it was inadequate) the strategy failed.

Adverbial Usage
While less common than the adjective form, you can see 미흡하게 used as an adverb to describe how an action was performed. '미흡하게 처리되다' means 'to be handled inadequately.'

업무가 미흡하게 처리되어 큰 문제가 발생했습니다. (The work was handled inadequately, causing a big problem.)

Another important pattern is using it with the subject marker -이/가. Unlike English where we say 'I am insufficient,' in Korean, you say 'Something about me is insufficient.' For example, '실력이 미흡하다' (Skills are insufficient) or '준비가 미흡하다' (Preparation is insufficient). It focuses on the specific attribute rather than the whole person, which makes it a very useful tool for constructive criticism.

Contrast with '완벽하다'
You can use 미흡하다 to contrast with 완벽하다 (to be perfect). It highlights the distance between the current state and perfection.

계획은 완벽해 보였으나 실천이 미흡했습니다. (The plan seemed perfect, but the execution was inadequate.)

아직은 미흡한 점이 많지만 최선을 다하겠습니다. (Although there are still many shortcomings, I will do my best.)

In South Korea, 미흡하다 is a staple of the evening news. Whenever there is a public outcry regarding a government response to a disaster, a new policy, or a legal ruling, you will hear journalists and citizens alike using this word. It is the 'go-to' term for political critique. For example, '정부의 대응이 미흡했다' (The government's response was inadequate) is a phrase that appears in almost every major news cycle involving a crisis. It suggests a failure of duty or a lack of thoroughness.

In the Office
During performance reviews (인사고과), managers use this word to provide feedback. It's considered more professional than saying someone is 'bad at their job.' It focuses on the work being insufficient rather than the person being a failure.

이번 프로젝트에서 소통 부분이 다소 미흡했다는 의견이 있었습니다. (There was an opinion that the communication part was somewhat inadequate in this project.)

You will also hear it in academic settings. A professor might write on a paper that the '논리적 근거가 미흡하다' (logical basis is insufficient). This tells the student that while they have an argument, it isn't supported well enough by facts or evidence. It's a very helpful word for students to know because it's the standard language of rubrics and grading feedback in Korean universities.

Customer Service
If a company makes a mistake, their public apology will almost certainly include the phrase '서비스가 미흡하여 불편을 드려 죄송합니다' (We apologize for the inconvenience caused by our inadequate service). It is the standard language of corporate humility.

증거가 미흡하여 기소하기 어렵습니다. (The evidence is insufficient, so it is difficult to prosecute.)

Finally, it is used in self-introductions (자기소개서). Even if you are very talented, it is culturally appropriate in Korea to acknowledge that you still have 미흡한 점 (shortcomings) and that you are eager to learn and grow. This shows a 'growth mindset' and humility, which are highly valued in Korean society. Using this word correctly in a job interview can actually make you sound more mature and self-aware.

아직 미흡하지만 선배님들께 많이 배우겠습니다. (I am still inadequate, but I will learn a lot from my seniors.)

시설 관리가 미흡하다는 민원이 접수되었습니다. (A civil complaint was received stating that the facility management is inadequate.)

The most common mistake learners make with 미흡하다 is confusing it with 부족하다. While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 부족하다 is a general term for 'lacking' and can be used for physical quantities (money, time, water). 미흡하다, however, is almost always about quality, standards, or expectations. You would rarely say '돈이 미흡하다' (money is insufficient) unless you are talking about the 'amount of funding' in a very formal budget report. In daily life, always use 부족하다 for physical things.

Mistake 1: Usage for Physical Goods
Don't say '우유가 미흡해요' when you run out of milk. Say '우유가 부족해요.' Use 미흡하다 for abstract concepts like 'preparation,' 'explanation,' or 'measures.'

❌ 시간이 미흡해서 숙제를 못 했어요.

✅ 시간이 부족해서 숙제를 못 했어요. (I couldn't do my homework because I lacked time.)

Another mistake is the register. 미흡하다 is quite formal. Using it in a very casual conversation with close friends can make you sound like you are giving a press conference or reading from a textbook. If you are talking to a friend about a movie that wasn't very good, saying '내용이 미흡해' sounds overly stiff. Instead, you might say '내용이 좀 아쉬워' (the content was a bit disappointing) or '부족해'. Reserve 미흡하다 for situations where you need to be polite, professional, or precise.

Mistake 2: Over-formality
Using 미흡하다 for trivial personal feelings. It's better suited for objective evaluations.

Finally, some learners forget that 미흡하다 is an adjective and try to use it with the object marker -를/을. In Korean, you cannot 'inadequate' something. The thing that is inadequate must be the subject. So, '보고서를 미흡했어요' is incorrect. It must be '보고서가 미흡했어요.' This is a fundamental rule for all Korean adjectives (descriptive verbs), but it's easy to forget when you are thinking in English 'I made an inadequate report.'

❌ 저는 이 계획을 미흡해요.

✅ 이 계획은 미흡합니다. (This plan is inadequate.)

그의 태도가 미흡하다는 지적이 있었습니다. (There was a point made that his attitude was inadequate.)

To truly master 미흡하다, you must understand how it compares to its synonyms. The Korean language has many ways to express that something is 'not enough,' and choosing the right one depends on the context and the specific type of 'lack' you are describing.

부족하다 (Bu-jok-ha-da)
The most common synonym. It refers to a lack in quantity or quality. While 미흡하다 is formal and focuses on 'standards,' 부족하다 is everyday and focuses on 'quantity.' If you have 5 people but only 4 chairs, the chairs are 부족하다.
불충분하다 (Bul-chung-bun-ha-da)
This means 'insufficient.' It is very close to 미흡하다 but is often used in scientific, logical, or legal contexts (e.g., 'insufficient evidence'). 미흡하다 has a slightly more evaluative tone—it sounds like a human judgment, whereas 불충분하다 sounds more like a logical fact.

증거가 불충분하여 결론을 내릴 수 없습니다. (The evidence is insufficient, so a conclusion cannot be reached.)

Another alternative is 모자라다 (mo-ja-ra-da). This is a native Korean word (not Hanja-based) and is very casual. It is often used for physical amounts or, sometimes, to mean someone is 'slow' or 'not very smart' in a derogatory way. You should never use 모자라다 in a formal report; use 미흡하다 instead.

아쉽다 (A-swip-da)
This means 'to be a pity' or 'to be slightly lacking in a way that causes regret.' If a movie was 90% great but the ending was bad, you'd say '엔딩이 아쉬워요.' Using 미흡하다 there would sound like you are a professional movie critic giving a grade.

실력 발휘를 못 해서 정말 아쉽습니다. (It's a pity I couldn't show my full potential.)

Lastly, consider 허술하다 (heo-sul-ha-da). This means 'lax,' 'shabby,' or 'carelessly put together.' If a security system is 미흡하다, it just isn't good enough. If it is 허술하다, it implies it was built poorly or has many holes. 미흡하다 is the polite way to say something is 허술하다.

보안 시스템이 매우 허술합니다. (The security system is very lax/shabby.)

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The character 洽 (흡) originally depicted water soaking into the ground. Thus, '미흡' literally describes a situation where the water hasn't fully soaked in yet, implying a lack of completeness or saturation.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /mi.hɯp.ɦa.da/
US /mi.hup.hɑ.dɑ/
In Korean, syllables generally have equal length and stress, but the first syllable of the root word '미' often carries a slight prominence in natural speech.
Rima com
시급하다 (si-geup-ha-da) 지급하다 (ji-geup-ha-da) 대급하다 (dae-geup-ha-da) 취급하다 (chwi-geup-ha-da) 보급하다 (bo-geup-ha-da) 공급하다 (gong-geup-ha-da) 상급하다 (sang-geup-ha-da) 긴급하다 (gin-geup-ha-da)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'heup' as 'hop' (using 'o' instead of 'eu').
  • Dropping the 'h' in 'heup' so it sounds like 'mi-eup'.
  • Pronouncing the final 'p' in 'heup' too strongly (it should be an unreleased stop).
  • Confusing the spelling with '미합' (mi-hap).
  • Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'hada' correctly after the 'p' stop (it often sounds like a soft 'p' + 'h' combination).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize in formal texts once the Hanja root is known.

Escrita 4/5

Requires understanding of formal register and correct subject markers.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage requires social awareness.

Audição 3/5

Common in news and workplace; key for understanding feedback.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

부족하다 충분하다 점 (point) 부분 준비

Aprenda a seguir

보완하다 불충분하다 미진하다 개선하다 한계

Avançado

결여되다 함량미달 부실하다 미비하다

Gramática essencial

Adjective Noun-Modifying Form (-ㄴ/은)

미흡한 (inadequate) + 점 (point) = 미흡한 점

Reasoning/Cause (-어서/아서)

준비가 미흡해서 (Because preparation was inadequate) 사고가 났다.

Adverbial Form (-게)

미흡하게 (inadequately) + 처리하다 (to handle).

Polite Opinion (-ㄴ 것 같다)

내용이 조금 미흡한 것 같아요 (I think the content is a bit inadequate).

Contrast (-지만)

미흡하지만 (Though inadequate) 열심히 하겠습니다.

Exemplos por nível

1

설명이 미흡해요.

The explanation is inadequate.

미흡해요 is the polite present tense.

2

준비가 미흡합니다.

The preparation is insufficient.

미흡합니다 is the formal present tense.

3

제 한국어는 아직 미흡해요.

My Korean is still lacking.

Used here for humility.

4

미흡한 점이 있어요.

There are some lacking points.

미흡한 is the adjective form modifying '점'.

5

음식 맛이 조금 미흡해요.

The food taste is a bit insufficient.

Used to describe quality.

6

공부가 미흡했어요.

The studying was inadequate.

Past tense form.

7

정보가 미흡합니다.

The information is insufficient.

Formal setting usage.

8

미흡해서 미안해요.

I'm sorry because it's inadequate.

-어서/아서 indicates a reason.

1

보고서의 내용이 다소 미흡합니다.

The content of the report is somewhat inadequate.

다소 means 'somewhat' or 'a little'.

2

미흡한 부분을 고쳐 주세요.

Please fix the inadequate parts.

Noun modification: 미흡한 + 부분.

3

청소 상태가 미흡해서 다시 했습니다.

The cleaning state was inadequate, so I did it again.

Reasoning with -어서.

4

아직 미흡한 점이 많습니다.

There are still many shortcomings.

Standard humble expression.

5

설명이 미흡하여 이해가 안 돼요.

The explanation is insufficient, so I don't understand.

-하여 is a formal version of -해서.

6

자료가 미흡한 것 같아요.

I think the materials are inadequate.

-ㄴ 것 같다 expresses an opinion/guess.

7

시설이 미흡해서 불편합니다.

The facilities are inadequate, so it's uncomfortable.

Common complaint pattern.

8

계획이 미흡하지 않아요?

Isn't the plan inadequate?

-지 않다 is the negative form.

1

정부의 대응이 미흡했다는 비판이 있습니다.

There is criticism that the government's response was inadequate.

-ㄴ다는 is used for reporting a statement or thought.

2

사전 준비가 미흡하여 사고가 발생했습니다.

The accident occurred because the preliminary preparation was inadequate.

Formal cause-and-effect structure.

3

미흡한 점을 보완하여 다시 제출하겠습니다.

I will supplement the shortcomings and resubmit it.

보완하다 (to supplement) is a common partner for 미흡하다.

4

조사가 미흡하게 이루어졌습니다.

The investigation was conducted inadequately.

미흡하게 is the adverbial form.

5

이 서비스는 아직 여러 면에서 미흡합니다.

This service is still inadequate in many aspects.

여러 면에서 means 'in many ways/aspects'.

6

증거가 미흡해서 범인을 잡지 못했어요.

They couldn't catch the criminal because the evidence was insufficient.

Common in crime dramas.

7

관리가 미흡한 탓에 건물이 낡았습니다.

The building became worn out due to inadequate management.

-ㄴ 탓에 means 'due to (a negative reason)'.

8

설득력이 미흡한 주장입니다.

It is an argument with insufficient persuasiveness.

설득력 means 'persuasive power'.

1

이번 대책은 근본적인 해결책으로는 미흡하다.

This measure is inadequate as a fundamental solution.

근본적인 means 'fundamental'.

2

논리적 근거가 미흡하여 설득력이 떨어집니다.

The logical basis is insufficient, so the persuasiveness is low.

떨어지다 (to fall/drop) used for quality/power.

3

미흡한 점이 발견되면 즉시 수정하십시오.

If any inadequacies are found, please correct them immediately.

-면 (if) conditional structure.

4

안전 교육이 미흡한 것이 사고의 원인이었습니다.

Inadequate safety training was the cause of the accident.

-는 것 nominalizes the clause.

5

그의 해명은 의혹을 풀기에는 미흡했다.

His explanation was insufficient to clear the suspicions.

-기에는 means 'to be ... for doing something'.

6

홍보가 미흡하여 관객이 적었습니다.

The number of spectators was small because the promotion was inadequate.

홍보 means 'publicity' or 'promotion'.

7

법적 근거가 미흡해 처벌이 불가능합니다.

Punishment is impossible because the legal basis is insufficient.

법적 근거 means 'legal basis'.

8

자기 관리가 미흡한 선수는 성공하기 어렵다.

It is difficult for athletes with inadequate self-management to succeed.

자기 관리 means 'self-management'.

1

기존 연구는 변수 통제가 미흡했다는 한계가 있다.

Previous research has the limitation that variable control was inadequate.

Academic tone: 한계 (limitation).

2

미흡하나마 제 정성을 담아 준비했습니다.

Although it is inadequate, I prepared it with all my heart.

미흡하나마 is a very formal humble expression.

3

사회 안전망이 미흡하여 빈곤층이 고통받고 있다.

The poor are suffering because the social safety net is inadequate.

사회 안전망 means 'social safety net'.

4

사건의 진상을 규명하기에는 조사가 미흡하다.

The investigation is insufficient to reveal the truth of the incident.

진상을 규명하다 means 'to reveal the truth'.

5

작품의 예술적 완성도가 다소 미흡해 보인다.

The artistic completeness of the work seems somewhat inadequate.

완성도 means 'degree of completion/perfection'.

6

전문가들은 이번 조치가 미흡하다고 입을 모았다.

Experts unanimously agreed that this measure was inadequate.

입을 모으다 is an idiom for 'to agree unanimously'.

7

실행력이 미흡한 리더는 신뢰를 얻기 힘들다.

A leader with inadequate execution power is hard to gain trust.

실행력 means 'execution power/ability'.

8

검증 절차가 미흡하여 오류가 발생할 수 있다.

Errors can occur because the verification process is inadequate.

검증 절차 means 'verification procedure'.

1

인간의 언어로는 그 신비로움을 표현하기에 미흡하다.

Human language is inadequate to express that mystery.

Literary/Philosophical usage.

2

개혁의 의지는 높았으나 시스템적 뒷받침이 미흡했다.

The will for reform was high, but the systemic support was inadequate.

뒷받침 means 'support' or 'backing'.

3

미흡한 행정력으로 인해 정책의 실효성이 떨어졌다.

The effectiveness of the policy decreased due to inadequate administrative power.

실효성 means 'effectiveness'.

4

철학적 성찰이 미흡한 기술 발전은 위험을 초래한다.

Technological development lacking philosophical reflection brings danger.

성찰 means 'reflection' or 'introspection'.

5

수사 과정에서의 절차적 정당성이 미흡하다는 지적이다.

The point is that procedural legitimacy in the investigation process is inadequate.

절차적 정당성 means 'procedural legitimacy'.

6

시대적 요구에 부응하기에는 현행법이 미흡한 실정이다.

The current law is inadequate to meet the demands of the times.

실정 means 'actual situation/state'.

7

감수성이 미흡한 번역은 원작의 묘미를 살리지 못한다.

A translation lacking sensitivity fails to capture the charm of the original work.

감수성 means 'sensitivity' or 'sensibility'.

8

공직자의 윤리 의식이 미흡할 경우 사회적 불신이 커진다.

When public officials' ethical awareness is inadequate, social distrust grows.

윤리 의식 means 'ethical awareness'.

Colocações comuns

준비가 미흡하다
설명이 미흡하다
대처가 미흡하다
미흡한 점
근거가 미흡하다
관리가 미흡하다
실력이 미흡하다
자료가 미흡하다
조사가 미흡하다
홍보가 미흡하다

Frases Comuns

미흡하나마

— Though it is inadequate. Used when giving a gift or offering help.

미흡하나마 제 정성입니다.

미흡한 부분을 보완하다

— To fix or supplement the lacking parts.

미흡한 부분을 보완하여 보고서를 완성했다.

여전히 미흡하다

— To be still insufficient despite efforts.

노력은 했지만 결과는 여전히 미흡하다.

다소 미흡하다

— To be somewhat inadequate. A polite way to criticize.

이번 기획안은 다소 미흡한 것 같습니다.

미흡한 점이 많다

— To have many shortcomings.

저는 아직 미흡한 점이 많은 사람입니다.

미흡함이 드러나다

— For inadequacies to be revealed.

실전에서 훈련의 미흡함이 드러났다.

대응이 미흡하다

— The response is inadequate.

위기 상황에서 기업의 대응이 미흡했다.

설명이 미흡하여

— Because the explanation is insufficient...

설명이 미흡하여 다시 질문을 드립니다.

미흡하게 처리되다

— To be handled inadequately.

민원이 미흡하게 처리되어 다시 항의했다.

미흡함을 인정하다

— To admit one's inadequacies.

그는 자신의 준비가 미흡했음을 인정했다.

Frequentemente confundido com

미흡하다 vs 부족하다

부족하다 is for quantity/general lack; 미흡하다 is for quality/standards.

미흡하다 vs 아쉽다

아쉽다 is an emotional feeling of regret; 미흡하다 is an objective evaluation of inadequacy.

미흡하다 vs 나쁘다

나쁘다 means 'bad' or 'evil'; 미흡하다 means 'not enough' or 'unsatisfactory' in quality.

Expressões idiomáticas

"입이 열 개라도 할 말이 없다"

— To have no excuse even with ten mouths. Often used when one's preparation or work was extremely '미흡'.

준비가 너무 미흡해서 입이 열 개라도 할 말이 없습니다.

Common
"수박 겉 핥기"

— Licking the surface of a watermelon. Used when an investigation or study is '미흡' because it only touches the surface.

그의 조사는 수박 겉 핥기 식으로 미흡했다.

Common
"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot. Used when efforts are '미흡' because the system itself is flawed.

관리가 미흡한 곳에 돈을 쓰는 건 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기다.

Common
"하나를 보면 열을 안다"

— To know ten things by seeing one. If one part is '미흡', people assume everything else is too.

청소 상태가 미흡한 걸 보니 하나를 보면 열을 알겠네요.

Common
"소 잃고 외양간 고친다"

— Mending the barn after losing the cow. Used when '미흡한' measures are taken too late.

대책이 미흡해서 사고가 난 뒤에야 고치다니, 소 잃고 외양간 고치는 격이다.

Common
"빛 좋은 개살구"

— A wild apricot with a nice color (looks good but tastes bad). Used when something looks perfect but the content is '미흡'.

이 보고서는 디자인만 예쁘지 내용은 빛 좋은 개살구처럼 미흡하다.

Common
"발등에 불이 떨어지다"

— Fire falling on the top of one's foot. Used when someone realizes their preparation is '미흡' only when the deadline is close.

준비가 미흡한데 발등에 불이 떨어져서야 서두르고 있다.

Common
"천 리 길도 한 걸음부터"

— A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Used to encourage someone whose skills are currently '미흡'.

지금은 실력이 미흡하지만 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터이니 열심히 하세요.

Common
"우물 안 개구리"

— A frog in a well. Used when someone's knowledge is '미흡' because they have a narrow perspective.

그는 우물 안 개구리라 세상 물정에 대한 이해가 미흡하다.

Common
"티끌 모아 태산"

— Gathering dust to make a mountain. Used to encourage supplementing '미흡한' parts bit by bit.

미흡한 점을 티끌 모아 태산처럼 보완해 나갑시다.

Common

Fácil de confundir

미흡하다 vs 부족하다

Both mean 'lacking' or 'not enough.'

부족하다 is general and focuses on quantity. 미흡하다 is formal and focuses on quality or standards.

돈이 부족하다 (Correct) / 돈이 미흡하다 (Awkward).

미흡하다 vs 불충분하다

Both mean 'insufficient.'

불충분하다 is more scientific/logical. 미흡하다 is more evaluative/social.

증거가 불충분하다 (Common) / 증거가 미흡하다 (Also possible, but sounds more critical).

미흡하다 vs 모자라다

Both mean 'not enough.'

모자라다 is native Korean and casual. 미흡하다 is Hanja-based and formal.

시간이 모자라 (Casual) / 시간이 미흡합니다 (Too formal for daily life).

미흡하다 vs 미비하다

Both start with '미' and mean something is lacking.

미비하다 specifically means 'not fully equipped' or 'missing required documents/facilities.'

서류가 미비하다 (The documents are missing something required).

미흡하다 vs 허술하다

Both imply something isn't good enough.

허술하다 implies shabbiness or being full of holes. 미흡하다 is a more polite, professional way to say it.

계획이 허술하다 (The plan is full of holes) / 계획이 미흡하다 (The plan is inadequate).

Padrões de frases

A1

N이/가 미흡해요.

설명이 미흡해요.

A2

미흡한 N

미흡한 부분을 고쳐요.

B1

N이/가 미흡해서 V-아요/어요.

준비가 미흡해서 미안해요.

B2

N이/가 미흡하다는 지적이 있다.

대응이 미흡하다는 지적이 있다.

C1

미흡하나마 N-입니다.

미흡하나마 제 선물입니다.

C2

V-기에는 N이/가 미흡한 실정이다.

해결하기에는 예산이 미흡한 실정이다.

B1

N을/를 미흡하게 V-다.

업무를 미흡하게 처리했다.

A2

N이/가 미흡한 것 같아요.

자료가 미흡한 것 같아요.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

미흡 Inadequacy, insufficiency
미흡함 The state of being inadequate

Verbos

미흡해지다 To become inadequate

Adjetivos

미흡한 Inadequate (modifying form)

Relacionado

부족
결핍
결함
단점
보완

Como usar

frequency

Common in professional, news, and academic contexts; rare in very casual daily speech.

Erros comuns
  • Using '미흡하다' for physical quantities. 돈이 부족해요. (I lack money.)

    미흡하다 is for quality and standards. Using it for money or food sounds very strange unless in a very formal budget report.

  • Using '미흡하다' with an object marker (-을/를). 보고서가 미흡해요. (The report is inadequate.)

    미흡하다 is an adjective (descriptive verb). It cannot take an object. The thing that is inadequate must be the subject.

  • Using '미흡하다' in very casual settings with friends. 이 영화 좀 별로야. (This movie is not that good.)

    미흡하다 is a formal word. Using it with friends makes you sound like a news anchor or a professor.

  • Confusing '미흡하다' with '나쁘다'. 설명이 미흡해요. (The explanation is insufficient.)

    나쁘다 means 'bad' or 'evil.' 미흡하다 means it's not enough to meet a standard. It's more specific and professional.

  • Spelling it as '미합하다'. 미흡하다.

    The second syllable is '흡' (heup), not '합' (hap). '미합' is not a standard word in this context.

Dicas

Professional Feedback

When giving feedback to a colleague, use '미흡한 것 같아요' (I think it's inadequate) instead of '틀렸어요' (It's wrong). It sounds much more professional and focuses on the need for improvement.

Subject-Adjective Agreement

Always pair '미흡하다' with the subject marker -이/가. For example: '실력이 미흡하다' (The skill is inadequate). Do not use -을/를.

The Power of Humility

Using '미흡하다' about yourself is a 'power move' in Korean social etiquette. It signals that you are mature, self-aware, and respectful of others' expertise.

Pair with '보완'

Whenever you identify something as '미흡', immediately follow it with '보완하다' (to supplement/improve). This shows you have a solution to the problem.

News Keywords

If you hear '미흡' on the news, it's almost always a critique of the government or a large corporation. It's a key word for understanding political conflict.

Hanja Advantage

Remember the '미' (未) means 'not yet.' This will help you remember other words like '미완성' (incomplete) and '미해결' (unresolved).

Softening Adverbs

Use '다소' (somewhat) or '약간' (a little) before '미흡하다' to make your criticism sound less blunt and more like a helpful observation.

Gift Giving

When giving a gift to an elder or a boss, say '미흡하나마 제 작은 정성입니다.' This is a classic, high-level polite expression.

TOPIK Tip

'미흡하다' often appears in TOPIK II reading and listening sections, especially in news-style reports or formal dialogues. Practice recognizing it in these contexts.

Quality over Quantity

If you have 100 pages of a report but the information is wrong, it's '미흡하다'. If you only have 2 pages when you needed 10, it's '부족하다'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Mi' as 'Missing' and 'Heup' as 'Help.' If something is 'Mi-heup,' it is 'Missing Help' because it's not good enough yet!

Associação visual

Imagine a sponge that is only half-soaked with water. The dry part represents the '미흡' (inadequate) area that still needs 'soaking' (improvement).

Word Web

Inadequate Insufficient Shortcoming Formal Evaluation Humble Standard Unsatisfactory

Desafio

Try to write three things about your own skills that are '미흡' (e.g., '요리 실력이 미흡합니다') and one way you will '보완' (supplement) them.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Hanja characters 未 (미) and 洽 (흡).

Significado original: 未 means 'not yet' or 'not,' and 洽 means 'to soak,' 'to harmonize,' or 'to be sufficient.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).

Contexto cultural

While '미흡하다' is professional, using it too often about a colleague's work without offering '보완' (help/supplement) can come across as overly critical or cold.

In English, we often use 'not good enough' or 'lacking,' but 'inadequate' is the closest formal match. However, English speakers might find the humble use of '미흡하다' surprising, as Western self-introductions often focus on strengths rather than shortcomings.

Frequently heard in Korean National Assembly (국회) hearings. Commonly used in 'Reply' (응답하라) series when characters reflect on their youth. A standard term in news reports about the Sewol Ferry tragedy regarding initial response.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Workplace Feedback

  • 보고서가 미흡하다
  • 업무 처리가 미흡하다
  • 미흡한 점을 수정하다
  • 피드백이 미흡하다

News & Politics

  • 정부 대응이 미흡하다
  • 대책이 미흡하다
  • 조사가 미흡하다
  • 법안이 미흡하다

Academic Writing

  • 근거가 미흡하다
  • 논리가 미흡하다
  • 자료가 미흡하다
  • 분석이 미흡하다

Self-Introductions

  • 미흡한 점이 많다
  • 아직 미흡하지만
  • 실력이 미흡하다
  • 경험이 미흡하다

Customer Service

  • 서비스가 미흡하다
  • 관리가 미흡하다
  • 설명이 미흡하다
  • 조치가 미흡하다

Iniciadores de conversa

"이번 프로젝트에서 가장 미흡했던 점이 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"제 한국어 실력이 아직 미흡한데, 어떻게 공부하면 좋을까요?"

"새로 나온 정책이 미흡하다는 뉴스를 보셨나요?"

"준비가 조금 미흡하더라도 일단 시작하는 게 중요할까요?"

"보고서의 어떤 부분이 미흡한지 구체적으로 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?"

Temas para diário

오늘 내가 한 일 중에서 가장 미흡했던 부분은 무엇인가요?

미흡한 점을 보완하기 위해 내일은 어떤 노력을 할 것인가요?

과거에 미흡했던 내 모습과 지금의 나를 비교해 보세요.

내가 생각하는 '미흡함'의 기준은 무엇인가요?

누군가에게 미흡하다는 평가를 받았을 때의 기분을 적어보세요.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

You should avoid saying '그는 미흡하다' (He is inadequate) as it sounds very harsh and dehumanizing. Instead, describe a specific attribute of the person, such as '그의 실력이 미흡하다' (His skills are inadequate) or '그의 태도가 미흡하다' (His attitude is inadequate). This focuses on the behavior or skill rather than the person's character.

'단점' means 'weakness' or 'disadvantage' and is a general trait. '미흡한 점' refers to 'shortcomings' or 'points that are not enough' in a specific context or task. For example, if you are a fast but messy writer, 'messiness' is a '단점'. If you submit a report that is missing a conclusion, that is a '미흡한 점'.

It is generally too formal for casual conversations with close friends. If you use it, it might sound like you are being sarcastic or acting like a boss. For friends, use '부족하다' or '아쉽다'. However, you can use it jokingly if you are pretending to be very serious or professional.

The standard phrase is '준비가 미흡하여 죄송합니다' or '준비가 미흡했던 점 사과드립니다'. This is very common in business meetings or when hosting an event.

Yes, it generally indicates a negative evaluation. However, because it is a formal and objective word, it is considered a 'polite' way to deliver negative feedback compared to words like '나쁘다' (bad) or '엉망이다' (a mess).

The most direct opposite is '충분하다' (to be sufficient). If you want to say something is better than just sufficient, you can use '완벽하다' (perfect) or '훌륭하다' (excellent).

Yes, but usually in a formal review or when being humble as a host. For example, '음식이 미흡하지만 맛있게 드세요' (The food is inadequate, but please enjoy it). In a casual restaurant, you would just say the food isn't very good.

It is a conjunctive form that means 'even though it is inadequate.' It is almost exclusively used in formal gift-giving or when offering a small amount of help to someone of higher status. It shows great respect and humility.

You will hear it in K-dramas, especially those set in offices, law firms, or the government. In K-pop, it's less common in lyrics (which tend to be more emotional and casual) but very common in idols' interviews when they talk about their debut or a new performance: '아직 미흡한 점이 많지만...'

The noun form is '미흡' (mi-heup). You can also use '미흡함' (mi-heup-ham) to talk about the 'state of being inadequate' as a concept.

Teste-se 190 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence in Korean: 'The preparation is inadequate.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Korean: 'I'm sorry because my explanation was inadequate.'

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writing

Translate to Korean: 'Please fix the inadequate parts.'

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writing

Translate to Korean: 'My Korean skills are still lacking.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence: 'The government's response is inadequate.'

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writing

Complete the humble phrase: '미흡하나마...'

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writing

Write a sentence using '다소' and '미흡하다'.

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writing

Describe a movie's plot as inadequate in Korean.

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writing

Write a sentence: 'The evidence was insufficient, so I couldn't catch him.'

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writing

Translate: 'There are many shortcomings.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'The facility management is inadequate.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'The promotion was inadequate, so there were no customers.'

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writing

Use '미흡하게' in a sentence about handling work.

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writing

Translate: 'I will supplement the inadequate points.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'The logical basis is insufficient.'

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writing

Translate: 'The investigation was inadequate.'

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writing

Write a humble introduction sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The explanation is inadequate to understand.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'The safety education was inadequate.'

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writing

Translate: 'The plan seemed perfect but was inadequate.'

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speaking

Say 'My Korean is still lacking' in a humble way.

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speaking

Apologize for inadequate preparation formally.

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speaking

How do you ask for feedback on your shortcomings?

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speaking

Say 'The explanation is a bit inadequate' politely.

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speaking

Pronounce '미흡하다' clearly.

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speaking

Say 'I will supplement the lacking parts.'

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speaking

Tell a friend 'The story of this movie is a bit lacking' (casual).

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speaking

Say 'The service was inadequate' as a complaint.

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speaking

Formal self-introduction: 'I have many shortcomings but I will work hard.'

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speaking

Say 'The evidence is insufficient.'

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speaking

How do you say 'Though inadequate, please accept this'?

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speaking

Say 'The facility management is inadequate.'

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speaking

Say 'The investigation was conducted inadequately.'

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speaking

Say 'The content of the report is somewhat inadequate.'

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speaking

Say 'Preparation was inadequate, so I'm worried.'

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speaking

Say 'The promotion was inadequate.'

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speaking

Say 'The logical basis is insufficient.'

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speaking

Say 'Safety measures are still inadequate.'

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speaking

Say 'I'm sorry for the inadequate explanation.'

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speaking

Say 'The result is inadequate, so I'm disappointed.'

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listening

Listen and write the word used for 'inadequate': '정부의 대응이 미흡했다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the subject: '준비가 미흡해서 죄송합니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the reason: '설명이 미흡하여 이해가 안 돼요.'

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listening

Listen: '미흡한 점을 보완하세요.' What should you do?

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listening

Listen and write the modifier: '미흡한 부분은 여기입니다.'

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listening

Listen: '다소 미흡한 것 같습니다.' How inadequate is it?

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listening

Listen and identify the context: '증거가 미흡합니다.'

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listening

Listen: '미흡하나마 받아주세요.' What is happening?

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listening

Listen: '조사가 미흡하게 진행되었습니다.' How was the investigation done?

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listening

Listen: '준비 미흡으로 취소되었습니다.' Why was it cancelled?

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listening

Listen: '실력이 미흡하지만...' Is the speaker confident?

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listening

Listen: '보고서가 미흡하다는 평가를 받았다.' What kind of evaluation was it?

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listening

Listen: '관리 미흡이 원인입니다.' What is the cause?

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listening

Listen: '홍보가 미흡해요.' What is the problem?

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listening

Listen: '설명이 미흡하니까 다시 하세요.' What should the person do?

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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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