adjective / adverb HSK 2
Traditional 不夠
not enough · insufficient · inadequate
Meaning
不够 means something is insufficient or fails to meet a required standard or quantity. It combines the negative marker 不 (not) with 够 (enough), creating a common expression used to describe shortages, deficiencies, or when something doesn't measure up to expectations.
Usage
Native speakers use 不够 in everyday contexts ranging from physical quantities (not enough food, money) to abstract qualities (not mature enough, not polite enough). It can function as a predicate adjective or modify verbs. Often followed by specific measurements or adjectives to clarify what is insufficient.
Examples
- 01我的钱不够买这个手机。.I don't have enough money to buy this phone.
- 02这件衣服对我来说不够大。.This piece of clothing is not big enough for me.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不够用not enough to use
- 钱不够not enough money
- 时间不够not enough time
- 不够格not qualified, not up to standard