より乏しい
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Comparative formed with modifier 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base adjective.
Theme
Two friends, Aya and User, are comparing their savings after a shopping trip. Aya is reflecting on their financial situations.
乏しい
とぼしい
meager / scarce / poor
Core Language Building BlocksCore Adjectives
Memory Hook
Imagine a 'poor' person with a 'tomb' (とぼしい toboshii sounds like 'tomb') — they have a meager, scarce life. 'Tomb' → とぼしい (toboshii, 'meager, scarce, poor').
Cultural Note
『乏しい』 (toboshii, 'meager, scarce, poor') is often used in contexts like resources, knowledge, or finances. In Japan, discussing poverty can be sensitive, so this word is used carefully in polite conversation.
Forms
Comparative: より乏しいComparative formed with modifier 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base adjective.
Base: 乏しいBase i-adjective form ending in 『い』. Describes a lack or insufficiency in quantity or quality.
Negative: 乏しくないDrop 『い』 → add 『くない』 (kunai, negative) → 『乏しくない』 (toboshikunai).
Past: 乏しかったDrop 『い』 → add 『かった』 (katta, past) → 『乏しかった』 (toboshikatta).
Adverbial: 乏しくDrop 『い』 → add 『く』 (ku, adverbial) → 『乏しく』 (toboshiku).
Superlative: 一番乏しいSuperlative formed with 『一番』 (ichiban, 'number one / Most') + adjective.