bǔjiù: 补救 - To Remedy, To Fix, To Make Up For

• Keywords: bujiu, bǔjiù, 补救, remedy a situation, how to fix a mistake in Chinese, make up for, compensate for, rectify, corrective action, Chinese word for remedy
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 补救 (bǔjiù), which means to remedy a situation, fix a mistake, or make up for a flaw. This page breaks down the characters 补 (to mend) and 救 (to save), explaining how they combine to mean “to mend and save” a situation gone wrong. Discover its cultural importance in maintaining harmony and face (面子), and learn how to use it in practical, everyday contexts, from business negotiations to personal relationships, with 10 detailed example sentences.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bǔjiù
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To take action to remedy a bad situation, fix a mistake, or compensate for a loss or error.
• In a Nutshell: 补救 (bǔjiù) is the word for taking corrective action after something has gone wrong. It's not about fixing a broken machine, but rather about mending an abstract situation—a mistake, a failed plan, a damaged relationship, or a deficit. It implies a recognition of the problem and a proactive effort to make things right. Think of it as “damage control” with a more sincere and constructive feeling.

• 补 (bǔ): This character means “to mend,” “to patch,” or “to supplement.” Picture mending a hole in a piece of clothing (补衣服 - bǔ yīfu) or taking a makeup class to supplement your knowledge. It's about filling a gap or fixing a deficiency.
• 救 (jiù): This character means “to save” or “to rescue.” Think of a lifeguard saving someone from drowning (救人 - jiù rén) or calling for help (求救 - qiújiù). It carries a sense of urgency and importance.
• Combined Meaning: Together, 补救 (bǔjiù) literally translates to “mend and save.” This powerful combination perfectly describes the act of stepping in to patch up a problem (补) in order to save the situation (救) from getting worse or failing completely.

The concept of 补救 (bǔjiù) is deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese social interaction, which heavily emphasizes harmony (和谐 - héxié) and the preservation of face (面子 - miànzi). When a mistake is made, whether in a business deal or a personal conversation, it can cause a loss of face for oneself or others, disrupting social harmony. The act of 补救 is the culturally expected and respected way to address this. It's about taking responsibility and actively trying to restore the situation. A simple apology (道歉 - dàoqiàn) might not be enough; concrete remedial action is often required to truly mend the damage. Comparison to Western Culture: While a similar concept exists in the West, such as “damage control” or “making amends,” 补救 feels less like a PR spin and more like a sincere, necessary action to restore balance. In American culture, admitting a mistake is valued, but the focus might be on moving on. In Chinese culture, the emphasis is often on the tangible actions you take to 补救 the error and demonstrate that you are a reliable and considerate person. Failing to 补救 can be seen as a serious social failing.

补救 (bǔjiù) is a common and practical word used across various domains.

• In Business: When a project is failing or a client is unhappy, a manager will ask, “我们怎么补救?” (Wǒmen zěnme bǔjiù? - How can we remedy this?). The focus is on finding a solution to save the deal or project.
• In Relationships: If you forget an important date or say something hurtful, you need to think of a way to 补救 the situation, perhaps by planning a special dinner or offering a heartfelt gesture beyond just saying “sorry.”
• In Academics: A student with poor grades might need to take extra classes or find a tutor as a way to 补救 their academic performance.
• In Everyday Mistakes: If you accidentally spill coffee on a friend's book, you would offer to buy a new one to 补救 your mistake.

The connotation is almost always positive, as it shows responsibility and a desire to fix things. It is generally used in neutral to slightly formal contexts.

• Example 1:
  • 我们必须立刻采取行动来补救这个错误。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū lìkè cǎiqǔ xíngdòng lái bǔjiù zhège cuòwù.
  • English: We must take immediate action to remedy this mistake.
  • Analysis: A classic and formal example, often heard in a business or official setting. It emphasizes the urgency and necessity of the remedial action.
• Example 2:
  • 他忘了妻子的生日，正在想办法补救。
  • Pinyin: Tā wàngle qīzi de shēngrì, zhèngzài xiǎng bànfǎ bǔjiù.
  • English: He forgot his wife's birthday and is now trying to think of a way to make up for it.
  • Analysis: This shows the term's use in a personal, relational context. The “making up for it” involves actions, not just words.
• Example 3:
  • 虽然我们输了比赛，但下半场的表现补救了我们的一些面子。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán wǒmen shūle bǐsài, dàn xiàbànchǎng de biǎoxiàn bǔjiù le wǒmen de yīxiē miànzi.
  • English: Although we lost the game, our performance in the second half salvaged some of our pride (face).
  • Analysis: This demonstrates a more abstract use of 补救, where it's used to “remedy” a loss of face or reputation.
• Example 4:
  • 这种情况还有补救的可能吗？
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng hái yǒu bǔjiù de kěnéng ma?
  • English: Is there still a chance to fix this situation?
  • Analysis: A common question when facing a difficult problem. It shows that 补救 can be used to inquire about the possibility of a remedy.
• Example 5:
  • 造成的损害太大了，已经无法补救了。
  • Pinyin: Zàochéng de sǔnhài tài dà le, yǐjīng wúfǎ bǔjiù le.
  • English: The damage done is too great; it's already impossible to remedy.
  • Analysis: This example uses the negative form (无法补救 - wúfǎ bǔjiù) to express that a situation is beyond repair.
• Example 6:
  • 为了补救他糟糕的成绩，他整个暑假都在上辅导班。
  • Pinyin: Wèile bǔjiù tā zāogāo de chéngjì, tā zhěnggè shǔjià dōu zài shàng fǔdǎo bān.
  • English: In order to remedy his terrible grades, he spent the entire summer attending tutoring classes.
  • Analysis: This highlights the use of 补救 in an academic context, referring to making up for a deficit in performance.
• Example 7:
  • 我说错话了，我该怎么补救才好？
  • Pinyin: Wǒ shuō cuò huà le, wǒ gāi zěnme bǔjiù cái hǎo?
  • English: I said the wrong thing, what should I do to make it right?
  • Analysis: A very practical, conversational question. It shows the personal responsibility one feels to fix a social blunder.
• Example 8:
  • 这家公司发布了公开道歉信，作为补救措施的第一步。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī fābùle gōngkāi dàoqiàn xìn, zuòwéi bǔjiù cuòshī de dì yī bù.
  • English: The company issued a public letter of apology as the first step of its remedial measures.
  • Analysis: This introduces the common and important phrase 补救措施 (bǔjiù cuòshī), which means “remedial measures” or “corrective actions.”
• Example 9:
  • 项目延期了，我们需要一个补救计划。
  • Pinyin: Xiàngmù yánqī le, wǒmen xūyào yī ge bǔjiù jìhuà.
  • English: The project is delayed, we need a remedial plan.
  • Analysis: Shows how 补救 can be used as an adjective to describe a plan or action designed to fix a problem.
• Example 10:
  • 幸运的是，我还能补救一下，我把备份文件恢复了。
  • Pinyin: Xìngyùn de shì, wǒ hái néng bǔjiù yīxià, wǒ bǎ bèifèn wénjiàn huīfù le.
  • English: Luckily, I was able to fix it; I restored the backup file.
  • Analysis: A simple, modern example related to technology. It shows how 补救 is the action of fixing the situation (restoring the file) after a mistake (deleting it).

A crucial mistake for learners is confusing 补救 (bǔjiù) with words for physical repair.

• 补救 (bǔjiù) vs. 修理 (xiūlǐ):
  • 补救 (bǔjiù) is for fixing abstract things: mistakes, situations, relationships, deficits, reputations.
  • 修理 (xiūlǐ) is for fixing physical, tangible objects: a car, a phone, a watch, a computer.
  • Incorrect: 我的车坏了，我需要补救一下。 (Wǒ de chē huài le, wǒ xūyào bǔjiù yīxià.) → This is wrong. You don't “remedy” a car.
  • Correct: 我的车坏了，我需要修理一下。 (Wǒ de chē huài le, wǒ xūyào xiūlǐ yīxià.)
  • Correct: 我搞砸了演讲，我需要补救一下我的声誉。(Wǒ gǎozále yǎnjiǎng, wǒ xūyào bǔjiù yīxià wǒ de shēngyù.)
• 补救 (bǔjiù) is an action, not just words:
  • While an apology (道歉 - dàoqiàn) is often the first step, 补救 refers to the concrete follow-up action. If you promise to 补救 a situation but only say sorry, people will feel you haven't truly taken responsibility.

• 弥补 (míbǔ) - A close synonym, also meaning “to make up for” or “to compensate.” It is often used for making up a deficit, lack, or regret (e.g., 弥补遗憾 - míbǔ yíhàn, to make up for a regret).
• 挽回 (wǎnhuí) - To retrieve, redeem, or salvage something that is on the verge of being lost. It implies a more dramatic “pulling back from the brink” (e.g., 挽回损失 - wǎnhuí sǔnshī, to salvage a loss).
• 改正 (gǎizhèng) - To correct or amend a specific error, like a typo, a bad habit, or a wrong answer. It's more focused on changing the incorrect thing itself.
• 修理 (xiūlǐ) - An antonym in context. To repair a physical object. Understanding the difference is key to using 补救 correctly.
• 措施 (cuòshī) - A measure or step. It frequently combines with 补救 to form 补救措施 (bǔjiù cuòshī), meaning “remedial measures.”
• 道歉 (dàoqiàn) - To apologize. This is the verbal expression of regret, often a necessary first step before taking remedial action (补救).
• 面子 (miànzi) - “Face”; social standing or reputation. The act of 补救 is often done to restore or save face.
• 和谐 (héxié) - Harmony. In many social situations, 补救 is performed with the ultimate goal of restoring harmony between people.