补课

• Pinyin: bǔ kè
• Hanzi breakdown: 补 = 衤(clothing) + 卜, to supplement; 课 = 讠(speech) + 果, lesson

Meaning

To make up missed classes; remedial lessons; tutoring. Extra instruction to catch up or improve.

Has two main uses: (1) making up classes that were missed due to absence, and (2) taking extra lessons or tutoring outside regular school hours to improve academic performance. The second meaning has become increasingly common in the context of China's competitive education system.

Examples

1. 周末很多学生都要去培训机构补课。 Many students have to go to tutoring centers for extra classes on weekends.
2. 老师说这周五要给我们补上周因为放假落下的课。 The teacher said we'll make up the classes we missed last week due to the holiday this Friday.
3. 政府正在整顿校外补课乱象。 The government is cracking down on the chaotic state of after-school tutoring.

Usage Guide

Context: education, tutoring, school

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 孩子每周六都要去补课。(The child has to go to tutoring every Saturday.)
• 下周一补课，把国庆假期的课补上。(We'll make up classes next Monday to cover the National Day holiday.)

Don't Say

• 注意'补课'可能有负面含义 (Be aware that 补课 can have negative connotations — some view excessive tutoring as harmful to children's development)

Origin & History

Compound of 补 (to supplement) + 课 (class, lesson). Originally meant making up missed classes, extended to tutoring.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal