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Character Breakdown

Usage of (qiàn)

The character primarily means "to owe" in financial or abstract senses, such as owing money or owing a favor. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing debts or obligations.

Besides owing, also expresses a lack or deficiency, often combined with (quē) as , meaning "to lack" or "to be deficient." This usage is frequent in formal or written contexts, such as reports or evaluations.

Additionally, can mean "to yawn," which is a more literal and physical action. This sense is less common but important to recognize in spoken language.

Common collocations:

  • (qiàn qián): to owe money
  • (qiànquē): to lack, to be deficient
  • (dǎ qiàn): to yawn

Notes:

  • When used to express owing money or favors, is often followed by the object owed.
  • is a fixed phrase and should be learned as a unit.
  • The yawn meaning is usually in the verb phrase .

Avoid confusing with similar characters like , which focuses more on "missing" or "lack" without the nuance of owing.

Example Sentences

I still owe you some money; I will definitely pay it back next month.

This report still lacks some important data.

He yawned, looking very tired.