短处
duǎn chù · HSK 3
shortcoming
📉 短 (short) + 处 (place/point) = short points = weak points
短 means short or lacking; 处 means a place, point, or aspect. Together they name the 'short points' of someone — the areas where they fall short. Opposite of 长处 (strong points).
短 — arrow 矢 + bean/vessel 豆
Originally a phono-semantic compound: 矢 (arrow) gives the meaning, since arrows were used as a short measuring stick, while 豆 (an ancient stemmed vessel) supplied the sound. From 'short in length' the meaning broadened to 'short' in time, stature, or quality.
处 — 夂 (foot) + 几 (low table/stool)
Originally depicted a person stopping (夂, an inverted foot) beside a stool (几), suggesting someone settling down in a place. From 'to dwell/stay' the meaning broadened to 'place, location' (chù) and 'to handle, deal with' (chǔ). The simplified form drops the older 虍 top found in 處.