충분하다 (chung-bun-ha-da, chungbunhada) · 부족하다 (bu-jok-ha-da, bujokhada)
충분하다 and 부족하다 are opposite concepts clearly indicating whether the quantity or degree is sufficient or insufficient.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Having enough or more than enough quantity or degree needed
When to use
meeting required amount, positive evaluation, complete condition
The nuance
충분하다 indicates that something exists in the required or more than required amount, expressing a positive or satisfactory state.
Not reaching the required quantity or degree; insufficient
When to use
below required amount, negative evaluation, deficiency state
The nuance
부족하다 indicates that something does not meet the required amount, expressing a negative or unsatisfactory state.
이 음식은 양이 충분하다.
i eum-sik-eun yang-i chung-bun-ha-da., i eum sik eun yang i chung bun ha da.
The amount of food is ample, so 충분하다 is correct.
이 음식은 양이 부족하다.
i eum-sik-eun yang-i bu-jok-ha-da., i eum sik eun yang i bu jok ha da.
The amount of food is insufficient, so 부족하다 is correct.
시간이 충분하지 않다.
si-gan-i chung-bun-ha-ji an-da., si gan i chung bun ha ji an da.
Negating 충분하다 to express that time is not enough.
시간이 부족하지 않다.
si-gan-i bu-jok-ha-ji an-da., si gan i bu jok ha ji an da.
Saying time is not 부족하다 naturally means time is sufficient.
돈이 부족하다면 계획을 바꿔야 한다.
don-i bu-jok-ha-da-myeon gye-hoek-eul ba-kkwo-ya han-da., don i bu jok ha da myeon gye hoek eul ba kkwo ya han da.
If money is insufficient, changing plans is necessary, so 부족하다 is appropriate.
돈이 충분하지 않으면 계획을 바꿔야 한다.
don-i chung-bun-ha-ji an-eu-myeon gye-hoek-eul ba-kkwo-ya han-da., don i chung bun ha ji an eu myeon gye hoek eul ba kkwo ya han da.
Saying money is not 충분하다 also naturally conveys the same meaning.
그는 충분하지 않다.
geu-neun chung-bun-ha-ji an-da., geu neun chung bun ha ji an da.
Saying 'he is 충분하지 않다' is awkward; use 부족하다 for people.
그는 부족하다.
geu-neun bu-jok-ha-da., geu neun bu jok ha da.
Use 부족하다 to describe insufficient ability or quality in a person.
Which sentence correctly uses '충분하다'?
When should you use '부족하다'?
Is the sentence '그는 충분하지 않다' correct?
