補充

• Reading: ほじゅう
• Romaji: hojuu
• Kanji breakdown: 補 (ho) — supplement, repair; 充 (juu) — fill, be full
• Pronunciation: /ho.dʑɯː/

Meaning

Replenishment; refilling; supplementation. Restoring something that has been used up or run low.

A noun and suru verb meaning to fill up or resupply what has been depleted. Used for restocking goods (在庫を補充する), replenishing personnel (人員の補充), or refilling supplies. Differs from 補給 (supply/provision, often military or large-scale) in that 補充 emphasises filling a gap or shortage rather than ongoing supply.

Examples

1. 棚の商品が少なくなったので補充しておいてください。 The shelves are running low on products, so please restock them.
2. 水分をこまめに補充することが熱中症予防になる。 Regularly replenishing fluids helps prevent heat stroke.
3. 退職者が出たためスタッフの補充が急がれている。 With employees retiring, there's an urgent need to bring in replacement staff.

Usage Guide

Context: retail, workplace, health, logistics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 補 (ho, to supplement/repair) + 充 (juu, to fill/be full). Literally 'to supplement until full,' describing the act of restoring something to its proper level.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal