Meaning and Usage
The verb 欠ける (かける) primarily means "to be lacking" or "to be missing." It can describe physical objects that have a part chipped or broken off, as well as abstract things like qualities, parts of explanations, or confidence.
Common Contexts
- Physical damage: Used when something like a plate or a tooth has a piece missing or chipped.
- Abstract lack: Used to express something missing in non-physical contexts, such as information, qualities, or feelings.
Collocations and Patterns
- 皿が欠ける (さらがかける): a plate is chipped
- 部分が欠ける (ぶぶんがかける): a part is missing
- 自信が欠ける (じしんがかける): lacking confidence
Register and Nuance
欠ける is neutral and common in both spoken and written Japanese. It is often used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 欠ける with 割れる (われる, to break) or 折れる (おれる, to snap). 欠ける specifically refers to something missing a piece or being incomplete, not necessarily fully broken.