HOME > WordMaster® > RUN SHORT (OF) vs. RUN OUT (OF) | 不足する vs. 使い果たす

For Life
2003.09.30

It's good to see you! We thought this would be a fitting WordMaster for the end of the month. Can you see why?

Today's LessonCATEGORY: Commonly Confused Words
RUN SHORT (OF) vs. RUN OUT (OF)   不足する vs. 使い果たす

Explanation

  • To run short of something is to use up MOST of your supply so that you have LESS THAN YOU NEED.

    To run out of something is to use up ALL of your supply so that you have NONE LEFT.

    Be running short and be running out both mean you will soon have none left.
  • run short of  は、何かをほとんど使ってしまったため、不足するという意味です。

    run out of  は、何かを使い果たす、という意味です。

    be running short  と  be running out  は、両方とも同じ意味で、何かがなくなりつつあるということです。

examples

  1. Many people use automatic loan machines when they run short of cash, but this can quickly become a dangerous habit.
  2. Last year, when the city ran short of water, the government asked people to use no more than 100 liters per day.
  3. Let's stop at a gas station before we run out of gas.
  4. Cook: We are running out of the special fast.
    Waiter: How much do we have left?
    Cook: Enough for maybe two more orders.
  5. (later at the same restaurant)
    Customer: I'd like the special, please.
    Waiter: I'm sorry, but we have run out of the special.
    Customer: Then I'll have the pasta salad instead.
  6. (a speaker at a conference after looking at the clock)
    Well, I am running short of time, so I'll spend the last five minutes answering any questions you have.
  7. (the same speaker five minutes later)
    I have run out of time, so if you have any further questions, I'd be happy to answer them during the coffee break.

Now WE  have run out of time, and the month is at an end. See you in October!