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March 24, 2026
补考(補考)bǔkǎo(bu3kao3)
补考 (bǔkǎo) refers to the opportunity for students to retake an exam that they either missed or did not pass. It is commonly used in educational contexts, especially in schools and universities, where students may need to demonstrate their understanding of the material at a later date.
Frequency#26030DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese education, the concept of 补考 is significant, as students are often under pressure to perform well on exams. The existence of makeup exams reflects the emphasis on academic success and the value placed on education in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a student wearing a '补' (bǔ) patch on their exam paper, trying to '考' (kǎo) again to improve their score. The character 补 resembles a student fixing their paper, and '考' sounds like 'cow,' which you can picture as the student 'moo-ving' to take the test again.
Meanings of 补考
bǔkǎo(bu3kao3)
1to sit for a makeup exam
2to resit an exam
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About 补考
补考Simplified
補考Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 补考
Podcast: 补考
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AI Study Notes for 补考
Quick Contrast
重考 (chóngkǎo) refers specifically to a retake of an exam after failing, while 补考 (bǔkǎo) can also include cases where the exam was missed.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a student wearing a '补' (bǔ) patch on their exam paper, trying to '考' (kǎo) again to improve their score. The character 补 resembles a student fixing their paper, and '考' sounds like 'cow,' which you can picture as the student 'moo-ving' to take the test again.
Usage Notes
Students often confuse 补考 with just 考 (kǎo), which means 'to take an exam.' Be mindful that 补考 specifically implies a retake. It is used in both formal and informal settings, but tends to be more common in academic discussions.
HSK Study Tips
While 补考 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above as they engage more in discussions about education. Focus on related words like 考试 (kǎoshì, exam) and 及格 (jígé, to pass) to deepen your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese education, the concept of 补考 is significant, as students are often under pressure to perform well on exams. The existence of makeup exams reflects the emphasis on academic success and the value placed on education in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 补考 by saying '参加补考' (cānjiā bǔkǎo), which literally translates to 'participate in a makeup exam.' The correct expression is '进行补考' (jìnxíng bǔkǎo), meaning 'to carry out a makeup exam.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 补考
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Cultural Notes for 补考
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese education, the concept of 补考 is significant, as students are often under pressure to perform well on exams. The existence of makeup exams reflects the emphasis on academic success and the value placed on education in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 补考
补考 is usually scheduled after the regular exam period, so check with your instructor or school for specific dates.
Yes, the results from a 补考 typically contribute to your final grade, so it's important to prepare well.
Yes, if you have a valid reason for missing the exam, you may be eligible for a 补考.
