Definition
补 (bǔ) is a versatile verb meaning 'to repair, supplement, or fill' — it covers mending objects, catching up on lessons, and filling gaps. It is broader than 补充 (bǔchōng, to replenish/add what's lacking) and 弥补 (míbǔ, to make up for a deficiency or mistake). Use 补 for everyday mending and supplementing; use 补充 for adding missing items or details, and 弥补 for compensating for a loss or error.
verb
to repairto mend (clothes, objects)to make up forto supplement (lessons, nutrition, lost time)to fill (a vacancy, gap)
Easily confused
- 扑pūlook-aliketo pounce on, to lunge at
- 不bùsound-alikeno, not (negates verbs and adjectives)
- 部bùsound-alike(classifier) for films, books, machines, etc.
- 步bùsound-alike(noun) step (in walking), pace
- 布bùsound-alikecloth; fabric
- 捕bǔsound-aliketo catch, to capture
Examples
- ，补。Tā de kùzi pò le, māma bāng tā bǔ hǎo le.His pants were torn, and his mom helped him mend them.
- ，。Wǒ bìng le yí gè xīngqī, xūyào zhǎo tóngxué bǔ kè.I was sick for a week and need to catch up on lessons with a classmate.
- ，补补。Nǐ zuìjìn tài lèi le, duō chī diǎn yǒu yíngyǎng de dōngxi bǔ yī bǔ shēntǐ.You've been too tired lately; eat more nutritious things to supplement your body.
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