nei4 bou2彌補弥补
Jyutpingnei4 bou2
Yalenèih bóu
Definition
To compensate, make up for, or remedy a loss, damage, or mistake.
neutraldaily actionsmoney
How it's used
Focuses on rectifying a negative situation or compensating for a deficit, often implying a sense of responsibility or duty. While it can be used in casual speech, it carries a slightly more formal or serious weight than the simpler 補返. It is frequently paired with abstract concepts like time, trust, or reputation rather than just physical objects.
Examples
He wants to buy a gift to make up for his previous mistake.
Related words
Common phrases
to make up for a loss
to make amends for a mistake
Common mistake
Avoid using this for simple physical repairs, such as fixing a broken chair or a hole in a sock, where 補 or 修理 are more appropriate. It is specifically for abstract or significant losses rather than routine maintenance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
