lack

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 欠 has 4 strokes and denotes a missing part or a lack.
• Basic usage: 欠ける is read かける, and 欠かす is read かかす.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A chipped part and a missing quality
  • 皿の縁が少し欠けている means that the edge of a plate is slightly chipped.
  • 具体性に欠ける means lacking specificity.
  • Here, に marks the quality that is lacking.
• An activity that is not missed
  • 毎朝の散歩を欠かさない means never missing the daily morning walk.
  • 欠かさない is the negative form of 欠かす, to omit or miss.