欠

• Pinyin: qiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 欠 = pictograph of person yawning, extended to mean lacking/owing

Meaning

To owe; to lack; to be deficient in. Being in debt or falling short of something.

Used for money (欠钱/欠债), favors (欠人情), or qualities (欠考虑 lacking consideration). Also in expressions: 欠身 (to lean forward slightly as courtesy), 哈欠 (yawn). Can imply moral debt.

Examples

1. 他还欠我三百块钱没还。 He still owes me three hundred yuan that he hasn't paid back.
2. 这篇文章写得还欠火候。 This article is still lacking polish.
3. 我欠你一个人情，以后一定还。 I owe you a favor and will definitely repay it.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, everyday, social

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 你欠我一个解释。(You owe me an explanation.)
• 这件事还欠考虑。(This matter needs more consideration.)

Don't Say

• 我欠睡觉。(欠 doesn't work this way — say 我缺觉 or 我睡眠不足)

Origin & History

Pictograph of a person opening their mouth wide, originally meaning to yawn. Extended to mean lacking or owing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal