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Level 42
欠く

To Lack Something

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Meaning

Primary

To Lack Something

Alternatives

To Be Without, To Be Devoid Of

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

The kanji itself means lack, and this verb means to lack something.

欠く is often used for intangible qualities someone lacks, like flexibility or consideration. But it can also be used for physical things, especially in the context of basic necessities. It sounds kind of advanced and formal, so it tends to pop up more in writing than in casual speech.

Note that this is a transitive verb, so it takes a direct object — someone is actively lacking something, like あの人の行動は常識を欠いている (their behavior lacks common sense).

Reading

かく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

If your life seems to lack something, like excitement or meaning, the best thing you can do is hop in your car (か). Take your car out on the open road and go search for whatever it is you're lacking. You'll find it — we believe in you!

Context

Patterns of Use

〜を欠く 〜を + Past Form + Noun 欠く〜

Common Word Combinations

  • バランスを欠く

    to lack balance

    公平性を欠く

    to lack fairness

    根拠を欠く

    to lack evidence, to be baseless

    配慮を欠く

    to lack consideration

Context Sentences

バナナだけの食事はバランスを欠いていると思いますよ。

I think your banana-only diet lacks balance.

その発言は少し配慮を欠いていると思います。

I think that remark was a little inconsiderate.

インターネットは私たちの生活に欠くことのできないサービスだ。

The internet is an indispensable service in our lives.

一つの歯車を欠くだけで、時計は止まってしまう。けれど、何かを欠いたままでも、人は前へ進めるのかもしれない。

A clock will stop if even a single gear is missing. And yet, even if they're missing something, perhaps people can still find a way to move forward.

Kanji Composition

  1. 欠
    けつ Lack