補償

• Reading: ほしょう
• Romaji: hoshou
• Kanji breakdown: 補 (ho) — supplement, compensate; 償 (shou) — repay, atone
• Pronunciation: /ho.ɕoː/

Meaning

Compensation; reparation; indemnification. Making up for loss or damage through payment or equivalent.

A noun and suru verb (補償する, to compensate). Specifically refers to making amends for damage or loss, typically financial. Must be distinguished from 保証 (guarantee) and 保障 (security/protection). Common patterns: 損害を補償する (to compensate for damages), 補償金 (compensation money), 補償制度 (compensation system). Appears frequently in legal and insurance contexts.

Examples

1. 工事の騒音に対して住民に補償が支払われた。 Residents were paid compensation for the construction noise.
2. 台風の被害に対する補償を申請した。 I filed for compensation for the typhoon damage.
3. 事故で失った収入を補償してもらうことになった。 I ended up being compensated for the income I lost due to the accident.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, insurance, government

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 補 (ho, to supplement/compensate) and 償 (shou, to repay/atone). Together, 'supplementing through repayment' — restoring what was lost through equivalent return.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal