Meaning of 缺点
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- weak point
- fault
- shortcoming
- disadvantage
Measure word: 個|个
How to use 缺点
缺点 is a common noun for a flaw in a person, plan, or product, and it often pairs with its opposite 优点 (yōudiǎn), meaning strengths. Example: 每个人都有缺点。(Měi gè rén dōu yǒu quēdiǎn.) Everyone has shortcomings.
缺 (quē) means lacking or missing, and 点 (diǎn) means a point or spot. A 缺点 is a point where something is lacking, so it is a weak point or shortcoming.
Common mistake: Learners often say 缺点 when they mean a broken part or an error in work. For those, Chinese usually uses 毛病 (máobìng) or 错误 (cuòwù). Also keep the tones straight: quē is first tone, not quě.
缺点 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
缺 quē · deficiency · 10 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
点 diǎn · to touch briefly · 9 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Related words
Words that share a character with 缺点.
| 地点 | dìdiǎn | place; site |
| 一点儿 | yīdiǎnr | erhua variant of 一點|一点[yi1 dian3] |
| 一点点 | yī diǎndiǎn | a little bit |
| 重点 | zhòngdiǎn | to recount (e.g. results of election); to re-evaluate |
| 观点 | guāndiǎn | point of view; viewpoint |
| 有点儿 | yǒudiǎnr | slightly; a little |
| 快点儿 | kuài diǎnr | erhua variant of 快點|快点[kuai4 dian3] |
| 点头 | diǎntóu | to nod |
| 特点 | tèdiǎn | characteristic; trait; feature |
| 有一点儿 | yǒuyīdiǎnr | a bit; a little |
| 缺少 | quēshǎo | lack; shortage of |
| 优点 | yōudiǎn | merit; benefit |
Questions about 缺点
What does 缺点 mean?
缺点 (quēdiǎn) means "weak point; fault" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 缺点?
缺点 is made of 2 characters: 缺 (10 strokes), 点 (9 strokes). That is 19 strokes in total.
Is 缺点 an HSK word?
Yes. 缺点 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 缺点 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 缺点 is written 缺點.
What is the opposite of 缺点?
The usual opposite is 优点 (yōudiǎn), meaning a strong point or merit. The two are often used together, as in 这个办法有优点也有缺点 (This method has advantages and disadvantages).
Can 缺点 be used as a verb or adjective?
No, 缺点 is only a noun. To say someone or something lacks a thing, use the verb 缺 (quē) or 缺少 (quēshǎo), as in 缺少经验 (lacking experience).