Meaning and Usage
"供不应求" literally means "supply does not meet demand." It is used to describe situations where the quantity of goods or services available is insufficient to satisfy the demand. This phrase often appears in economic, commercial, or everyday contexts when discussing shortages.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "供不应求" in news reports about product shortages, during festivals when demand spikes, or when a popular item sells out quickly. It emphasizes a gap between supply and demand, often implying urgency or a need to increase production.
Collocations and Patterns
- 供不应求的市场 (a market where supply cannot meet demand): describes a tight market situation.
- 供不应求的商品 (goods in short supply): highlights products that are scarce.
- 供不应求的现象 (phenomenon of supply shortage): used in formal or analytical contexts.
Usage Tips
This phrase is formal and often used in written or formal spoken Chinese. It is not used to describe personal or abstract desires but specifically refers to tangible goods or services. Avoid confusing it with similar phrases like "需求过剩" (demand exceeds supply), which has a slightly different nuance focusing on excessive demand rather than insufficient supply.