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March 24, 2026
补充(補充)bǔchōng(bu3chong1)
The verb 补充 (bǔchōng) means to replenish or supplement something that is lacking. It is commonly used in contexts such as adding more resources, information, or items to complete a set or improve a situation. The nuance often implies enhancing or providing extra support to an existing framework or supply.
Frequency#5686DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 补充 is often related to the idea of harmony and balance, especially in contexts like nutrition and education, where additional resources are seen as essential for well-being and success.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a full backpack (充) who realizes they need more supplies (补). They quickly add in extra snacks and water to make sure they are fully prepared for a hike. The two parts of the character represent adding (补) to something already full (充).
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AI Study Notes for 补充
Quick Contrast
补充 (bǔchōng) vs 增加 (zēngjiā) — use 补充 when emphasizing replenishing or supplementing what is lacking, while 增加 focuses on simply increasing quantity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with a full backpack (充) who realizes they need more supplies (补). They quickly add in extra snacks and water to make sure they are fully prepared for a hike. The two parts of the character represent adding (补) to something already full (充).
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 补充 in overly formal contexts, as it can sound mechanical. It commonly collocates with words like '信息' (information) or '资源' (resources). Remember that the second tone in 补 (bǔ) is crucial; mispronouncing it as a first tone will change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 补充 connects with other words related to providing or enhancing, such as 提供 (tígōng - to provide) and 增加 (zēngjiā - to increase). Focus on using it in sentences that describe scenarios where something needs to be added or improved.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 补充 is often related to the idea of harmony and balance, especially in contexts like nutrition and education, where additional resources are seen as essential for well-being and success.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 补充 with 添加 (tiānjiā - to add), but 补充 implies an enhancement or filling in gaps rather than just adding. For example, saying '我需要添加水' (wǒ xūyào tiānjiā shuǐ - I need to add water) instead of '我需要补充水' (wǒ xūyào bǔchōng shuǐ - I need to replenish water) can lead to confusion about the intent.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 补充
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Grammar Patterns of 补充
补充 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Supplementary oxygen is rarely needed in pressurized aircraft.
9
他做了一些实验，作为对艾根实验的补充。
tā zuò le yī xiē shí yàn， ， zuò wéi duì ài gēn shí yàn de bǔ。
He has done experiments comple-mentary to those of Eigen.
10
需要30万吨谷类补充库存。
xū yào30 30 wàn dūn gǔ lèi bǔ chōng kù。
Three hundred thousand tons of cereals are needed to replenish stocks.
Cultural Notes for 补充
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 补充 is often related to the idea of harmony and balance, especially in contexts like nutrition and education, where additional resources are seen as essential for well-being and success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 补充
Yes, but it is more common in formal contexts, especially in written language.
You might hear 补充信息 (bǔchōng xìnxī - to supplement information) or 补充材料 (bǔchōng cáiliào - to supplement materials).
No, it can refer to adding non-physical things as well, such as information or skills.
