欠点

• Reading: けってん
• Romaji: ketten
• Kanji breakdown: 欠 (ketsu) — lack, deficiency; 点 (ten) — point, mark
• Pronunciation: /ke.tːe.n/

Meaning

Fault; defect; weakness. A shortcoming or weak point in a person or thing.

A noun used for minor flaws, weak points, or disadvantages. Softer than 欠陥 and applicable to people as well as things. Often used when weighing pros and cons. The opposite is 利点 (riten, advantage) or 長所 (chousho, strong point).

Examples

1. 誰にでも欠点はあるものだ。 Everyone has their faults.
2. この計画の欠点を指摘してほしい。 I'd like you to point out the weaknesses in this plan.
3. 彼女は自分の欠点をよく理解している。 She understands her own shortcomings well.

Usage Guide

Context: self-reflection, evaluation, discussion

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 欠 (lack, deficiency) and 点 (point, mark). Literally 'a point of deficiency,' describing a specific area where something falls short.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal