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填补 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
填补tiánbǔto fill a gapHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #9373, Very Hard
填补tiánbǔto fill in a blank (on a form)HSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #9373, Very Hard
填补tiánbǔto overcome a deficiencyHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #9373, Very Hard
tiánbǔ(tian2bu3)tian bu T2
  1. 1to fill a gap
  2. 2to fill in a blank (on a form)
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March 24, 2026

填补(填補)tiánbǔ(tian2bu3)

填补 (tián bǔ) means to fill a gap or to fill in a blank, often in the context of forms or documents. It can also refer to overcoming a deficiency, such as filling a role that is vacant or addressing a shortcoming in a situation or resource.

Strokes20Frequency#9373DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese educational settings, 填补 is often used when discussing the completion of assignments or forms, reflecting the importance placed on thoroughness and accuracy in documentation.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant 'fill' (填) pouring contents into a 'gap' (补) like a puzzle piece fitting perfectly. The '填' looks like a person pouring water, and '补' resembles a patch that covers a hole. Together, they symbolize the act of filling and fixing.

Meanings of 填补

tiánbǔ(tian2bu3)
1to fill a gap
2to fill in a blank (on a form)
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About 填补

填补Simplified
填補Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 填补

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AI study notes for 填补

Quick Contrast

补充 (bǔchōng) — use 填补 when referring specifically to filling a gap or vacancy, while 补充 is more about adding to something that already exists.

Usage Notes

This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing tasks that require completion or correction. A common mistake is using it inappropriately in contexts that imply permanent solutions; remember it often refers to temporary fixes or filling roles rather than long-term solutions.

HSK Study Tips

While 填补 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects with other HSK Level 4 and 5 words related to filling and completion, such as 填写 (tiánxiě - to fill out). Focus on understanding its application in various contexts, especially in forms and documentation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 填补 with 填写 (tiánxiě), which specifically means 'to fill out' a form. For example, saying '我需要填补这个表格' (Wǒ xūyào tián bǔ zhège biǎogé) is incorrect; it should be '我需要填写这个表格' (Wǒ xūyào tiánxiě zhège biǎogé).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 填补

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Component characters

填tiánto fill or stuff
HSK 513 strokes土
View full entry
补bǔto repair
HSK 67 strokes衤
View full entry

How to say to fill a gap in Chinese

“to fill a gap” in Chinese is填补tiánbǔ

填补 (tián bǔ) means to fill a gap or to fill in a blank, often in the context of forms or documents. It can also refer to overcoming a deficiency, such as filling a role that is vacant or addressing a shortcoming in a situation or resource.

When to use 填补

This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing tasks that require completion or correction. A common mistake is using it inappropriately in contexts that imply permanent solutions; remember it often refers to temporary fixes or filling roles rather than long-term solutions.

填补 or something close to it

补充 (bǔchōng) — use 填补 when referring specifically to filling a gap or vacancy, while 补充 is more about adding to something that already exists.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 填补 with 填写 (tiánxiě), which specifically means 'to fill out' a form. For example, saying '我需要填补这个表格' (Wǒ xūyào tián bǔ zhège biǎogé) is incorrect; it should be '我需要填写这个表格' (Wǒ xūyào tiánxiě zhège biǎogé).

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填
补

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Frequently asked questions about 填补

You can say, '我们需要填补这个空缺。' (Wǒmen xūyào tián bǔ zhège kòngquē.) which means 'We need to fill this gap.'

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