虧 (kuī) - Deficiency, loss, deficit & to lose, to be short of

虧Tone 1

kuī ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

虧 · kuī

Deficiency, loss, deficit;

to lose, to be short of;

fortunately, luckily (in negative contexts);

to treat unfairly.

Deficiency, loss, deficitto lose, to be short offortunately, luckily (in negative contexts)

Usage highlights

DeficitFortunatelyDeficiencyTreat unfairlyBlood lossPhysical weakness

Synonyms

  • 损— loss, damage
  • 缺— lack, be short of
  • 欠— owe, be deficient in

Antonyms

  • 盈— surplus, profit
  • 赚— earn, make a profit
  • 余— surplus, remainder

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The company suffered a huge loss this quarter (公司亏损).
  • Fortunately, no one was injured (幸亏没人受伤).
  • We are short of staff for this project (人手亏缺).
  • Don't treat him unfairly (不要亏待他).

Collocations

  • Deficit(亏损)
  • Fortunately(幸亏)
  • Deficiency(亏缺)
  • Treat unfairly(亏待)
  • Blood loss(亏血)
  • Physical weakness(体亏)

Idioms

  • To let someone down(亏负于人)
  • To be in debt to someone(亏欠人情)
  • To be short of both virtue and ability(德才两亏)
  • To suffer a great loss(吃大亏)
  • To be lucky to have escaped(亏得逃脱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese business culture, avoiding '亏' (loss) is paramount; it represents financial misfortune.
  • Used in expressions of gratitude for avoiding worse outcomes, e.g., '幸亏' (fortunately).
  • Reflects the cultural emphasis on maintaining balance and avoiding deficiency in health, wealth, or virtue.

FAQ