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

Definition

欠妥 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'be improper' or 'be unsatisfactory'. It combines 欠 (lack) and 妥 (proper). The word is usually used as a whole (整体), but you can insert a degree or quantity expression between the two syllables, e.g. 欠一些妥 ('a bit improper'). This pattern is formal and uncommon in daily speech. The opposite of 欠妥 is 妥当 or 得当.

v.o.

to be improperto be unsatisfactory

Examples

欠妥。
Zhège fāng'àn yǒuxiē qiàn tuǒ.
This plan is a bit improper.
，。
Tā de zuòfǎ qiàn yìxiē tuǒ, xūyào xiūgǎi.
His approach is somewhat improper; it needs revision.
，欠妥。
Zài zhè zhǒng chǎnghé shuō nàyàng de huà, quèshí qiàn tuǒ.
Saying that kind of thing on such an occasion is indeed improper.

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