Chinese word

互补

Pronunciation

Pinyinhù bǔ

Meaning

  • verbcomplement each other

Example

团队里各自的能力互补，合作很顺利。tuán duì lǐ gè zì de néng lì hù bǔ hé zuò hěn shùn lì

The abilities of each team member complement each other, so cooperation goes smoothly.

Illustration for 互补 (complement each other)

More examples

研究显示，不同技术之间往往可以互补，提高整体效率。yán jiū xiǎn shì bù tóng jì shù zhī jiān wáng wǎng ké yǐ hù bǔ tí gāo zhéng tǐ xiào lǜ

Research shows that different technologies can often complement each other, improving overall efficiency.

Core concept

Different people, skills, or parts fill one another's gaps, making the whole more complete.

Common phrases

  • 功能互补gōng néng hù bǔ

    complementary functions

  • 信息互补xìn xī hù bǔ

    complementary information

Similar words

补充bǔ chōng: To provide an extra amount or part needed to make something complete.
弥补mí bǔ: To repair a shortfall or loss by filling the gap and restoring what is lacking.
协调xié tiáo: To bring positions or actions into agreement while managing their differences.
补足bǔ zú: To add missing details or content so that information becomes fuller and stronger.

Definition in Chinese

双方或多方通过相互作用补足彼此的不足，使整体更完整。shuāng fāng huò duō fāng tōng guò xiāng hù zuò yòng bǔ zú bí cǐ de bù zú shǐ zhéng tǐ gèng wán zhěng

Word origin

The word 互补 (hùbǔ, "complement each other") is formed from 互 (hù, "mutual") + 补 (bǔ, "supply what is missing"), so its structure points to needs being filled in both directions.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, this verb usually links two or more sides in the same sentence, rather than naming a one-sided act of repair.

Other meanings

  • complementaryadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 互补效应hù bǔ xiào yìngcomplementary effectnoun

Word lists with this word