补习

• Pinyin: bǔ xí
• Hanzi breakdown: 补 = 衤(clothing) + 卜, to supplement; 习 = 羽 (feather), to study/practice

Meaning

To take supplementary lessons; to receive tutoring. Additional study to improve or catch up.

Refers to studying additional material or taking extra lessons to strengthen weak subjects or prepare for exams. Often used interchangeably with 补课, but 补习 emphasizes the studying/learning aspect rather than the class itself. Common in compounds like 补习班 (cram school).

Examples

1. 为了考上重点高中，她每天晚上都去补习数学。 In order to get into a key high school, she goes to math tutoring every night.
2. 这家补习班的老师都是名校毕业的。 The teachers at this cram school are all graduates of prestigious universities.
3. 他英语基础差，需要好好补习一下。 His English foundation is weak — he needs to do some serious remedial study.

Usage Guide

Context: education, studying

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 暑假我要补习物理和化学。(I need to take tutoring for physics and chemistry during summer break.)
• 补习班收费越来越贵了。(Cram schools are getting more and more expensive.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'补习'只理解为负面的填鸭式教育 (Don't view 补习 only negatively — it can also refer to legitimate catch-up study for missed content)

Origin & History

Compound of 补 (to supplement) + 习 (to study, practice). Emphasizes the learning/practice aspect of remedial education.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal