乏
とぼ.しい
toboshii
JLPT N14 strokesKanjiLevel 97 - JLPT N1
Quick answer
乏 is the kanji for "Scarce". The most common reading is とぼ.しい (toboshii). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Scarce
Also : Limited · Destitute
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Readings
kunとぼ.しい/ toboshiikunとも.しい/ tomoshiionぼう/ bou
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
4 strokes
Radicals
丿之
Example Sentences
資源が乏しい国は苦労する。
しげんがとぼしいくにはくろうする。
Countries with scarce resources struggle.
彼の知識は乏しいが情熱的だ。
かれのちしきはとぼしいがじょうねつてきだ。
His knowledge is limited, but he is passionate.
Vocabulary using 乏
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + に際して～に際して (ni saishite) - On the occasion of
- [Noun] + をもとに(して)～をもとに (wo moto ni) - Based on
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + にあたって～にあたって (ni atatte) - When doing; Upon
- [Plain form verb/adjective] + ものの～ものの (mono no) - Although; Even though
- [Verb/Adjective/Noun] + にしろ/にせよ～にしろ／にせよ (ni shiro/ni seyo) - Even if; Regardless of
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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