tim1 bou2添補添补
Jyutpingtim1 bou2
Yaletīm bóu
Definition
To replenish, add to, or recruit.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on adding or topping up something that has been depleted or is insufficient. Unlike the more formal 補充, 添補 feels more grounded in everyday tasks like restocking household items or supplies. It carries a sense of making things complete again rather than just adding extra for the sake of it.
Examples
Do you still need to replenish any stationery?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for abstract concepts like adding information to a report, where 補充 is the standard choice. 添補 is strictly for physical objects or tangible resources.
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.
