补考

• Pinyin: bǔ kǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 补 = 衤(clothing) + 卜, to mend/supplement; 考 = 老 + 丂, to examine

Meaning

Make-up exam; to retake an exam. An examination taken after failing or missing the original.

Refers to the opportunity given to students who failed or missed an exam to take it again. Common in academic contexts from middle school through university. Often carries some stigma as it implies initial failure, though can also be for legitimate absences.

Examples

1. 这门课我挂科了，下学期必须参加补考。 I failed this course, so I have to take the make-up exam next semester.
2. 因为生病缺考的同学可以申请补考。 Students who missed the exam due to illness can apply for a make-up exam.
3. 补考的难度通常和正式考试差不多。 The difficulty of make-up exams is usually about the same as the regular exam.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, school, university

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 补考没过的话就要重修这门课了。(If you don't pass the make-up exam, you'll have to retake the course.)
• 补考安排在下周三上午。(The make-up exam is scheduled for Wednesday morning next week.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'补考'和'重考'完全等同 (Don't equate 补考 exactly with 重考 — 补考 is specifically for failed/missed exams, while 重考 can be broader)

Origin & History

Compound of 补 (to make up, supplement) + 考 (exam). Literally 'make-up examination.'

Cultural Context

Generation: Students

Social background: Universal