What is the Kanji for 'Lack'? | 欠

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Lack', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Lack' is 欠.

kanji

欠

Meaning

Lack

Reading

kunyomiか

onyomiけつ

ketsu

Example Word

欠く: lack or chip. The Japanese verb '欠く (かく)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to lack' or 'to be missing something essential'. For example: he lacks experience「彼は経験を欠く」(かれはけいけんをかく). The second meaning is 'to chip' or 'to break off a piece'. For example: I chipped the cup「カップを欠いた」(カップをかいた). These meanings are unrelated and depend on the context in which the verb is used. When used to mean 'lack', it often refers to something intangible like skills or qualities. When used to mean 'chip', it refers to physical damage to an object.

Radical

欠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1037

Handwriting

欠 As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of 11 other kanji:

kanji

歌

Meaning

Song

kanji

飲

Meaning

Drink

kanji

吹

Meaning

Breathe out, Blow

kanji

次

Meaning

kanji

欧

Meaning

Europe, Europe

kanji

欲

Meaning

Desire, Longing

kanji

歓

Meaning

Rejoice, Delight

kanji

軟

Meaning

Soft

kanji

炊

Meaning

Boil, Cook

kanji

欺

Meaning

Deceit, Deceive

kanji

款

Meaning

Article, Goodwill

Words Using 欠

This kanji is used in 6 words:

word

欠席

Meaning

Absence

word

不可欠

Meaning

Essential

word

欠ける

Meaning

Lack, Chip

word

欠かす

Meaning

Omit

word

欠く

Meaning

Lack, Chip

word

欠点

Meaning

Flaw

Learn the Kanji 欠

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 欠 mean?

欠 means 'Lack'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fourth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.