紧缺

• Pinyin: jǐn quē
• Hanzi breakdown: 紧 = tight, constrained; 缺 = 缶 (jar) + 欠 (lacking) — to lack, deficient

Meaning

In short supply; scarce. Describing goods, resources, or personnel that are insufficient to meet demand.

Commonly used in economic, medical, and resource management contexts. More formal than 缺 or 缺少, and often implies a systemic shortage rather than a personal lack. Frequently appears in news reports and official statements.

Examples

1. 疫情期间，口罩和消毒液一度非常紧缺。 During the pandemic, masks and disinfectant were in very short supply for a while.
2. 这个行业目前高端人才非常紧缺，招聘难度很大。 High-end talent is currently very scarce in this industry, making recruitment very difficult.
3. 由于芯片紧缺，很多汽车厂商被迫减产。 Due to chip shortages, many automakers have been forced to reduce production.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, supply chain, healthcare, news

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 物资紧缺。(Supplies are in short supply.)
• 人才紧缺是这个行业的普遍问题。(Talent shortage is a common problem in this industry.)

Don't Say

• 我的钱紧缺 (Don't use 紧缺 for personal finances — use 紧张 or 缺钱 instead; 紧缺 describes market-level shortages)

Origin & History

Composed of 紧 (tight; constrained) + 缺 (to lack; deficient). Together describing a state of tight supply or shortage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Formal/news contexts