欠

• 拼音: qiàn
• 汉字拆解: 欠 = pictograph of person yawning, extended to mean lacking/owing

含义

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.

例句

1. 他还欠我三百块钱没还。
2. 这篇文章写得还欠火候。
3. 我欠你一个人情，以后一定还。

用法指南

语境: finance, everyday, social

语气: direct

正确说法

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

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal