bou2補补
Jyutpingbou2
Yalebóu
Definition
To mend, repair, or patch up something damaged.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Beyond physical repair, this word is frequently used in academic and professional contexts to mean making up for something missing. It is common to hear students talk about 補課 for make up classes or workers mentioning 補鐘 for working extra hours to compensate for time off. The underlying logic is always about restoring a state of completeness or fixing a deficit.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to mend shoes
to fix a mistake or salvage a situation
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 補習, which specifically refers to private tutoring or extra academic coaching. While it contains the character 補, it is a fixed compound that implies studying outside of regular school hours rather than just fixing a mistake.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
