に足りない
Meanings
- not be enough for
- to be insufficient for
- to lack for
- to be unworthy/undeserving in a context (less common)
About this pattern
Explanation
に足りない is used to say that something is not sufficient or adequate for a particular purpose or situation. It emphasizes that whatever is being referred to does not meet the required threshold or standard. It is typically used with nouns that denote quantities, resources, or conditions (e.g., お金、時間、力、経験). The expression contrasts with 足りる (to be enough). Note that に足りない focuses on insufficiency for a specific need or aim rather than general inadequacy.
Learn in context
Example sentences
This budget isn’t enough to buy the new equipment.
He lacks enough experience to be a leader.
That explanation isn’t enough to be convincing.
I didn’t have enough time to finish the assignment.
Keep studying
More N1 patterns
from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including
View detailsNo matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~
View detailslike; similar to; as if; the same as
View detailsto be worthy of; to be enough for; to be sufficient
View detailsextreme; extremely; unbearably; to an extreme degree
View detailsEven though; Even if; Although; Despite
View details