欠妥 (qiàn tuǒ) — to be improper; to be unsatisfactory

Definition

Formal written verb meaning 'to be improper or not quite right,' used to critique plans, wording, or actions. Common in reports and editorial language, not everyday speech.

verb
to be improperto be unsatisfactory

Examples

  • 欠妥。
    Zhè ge fāng àn yǒu xiē qiàn tuǒ.
    This plan is a bit improper.
  • ，。
    Tā de zuò fǎ qiàn yì xiē tuǒ, xū yào xiū gǎi.
    His approach is somewhat improper; it needs revision.
  • ，欠妥。
    Zài zhè zhǒng chǎng hé shuō nà yàng de huà, què shí qiàn tuǒ.
    Saying that kind of thing on such an occasion is indeed improper.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

欠qiànnot quite
妥tuǒproper

欠 (not quite) and 妥 (proper) combine to mean not proper enough.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

欠 is a kneeling person with an open mouth, shown in actions such as begging, speaking, blowing, singing, or being tired.

Open 欠 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

妥 combines 爪 (hand) and 女 (woman), as a hand comforting or placating a woman.

Open 妥 →

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