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B1 verb/noun #7,000 most common 7 min read

补考

bukao Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 补考 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 补考 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '补考' (bǔkǎo) is about a 'test' (考). You might hear a teacher say this if you miss a small quiz. Think of it as 'Test Part 2'. It is a noun for the thing you take, and a verb for the action of taking it. Even at this level, you can understand that '补' means 'to fix' and '考' means 'test'. So, it is a 'fixing test'. You use it when you are talking about school. Example: 'I have a 补考 tomorrow.' In Chinese: '我明天有补考.' It is a very useful word if you are a student in China because it helps you ask for a second chance. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just treat it like a regular activity you do at school, like '上课' (shàngkè - go to class).

At the A2 level, you should start using '补考' in basic sentences to explain why you are busy. For example, 'I cannot go to the movies because I have to 补考.' (我不能去考电影，因为我要补考。) You should also know that it is often used with the verb '参加' (cānjiā), which means 'to participate' or 'to take'. So, '参加补考' is the full phrase for 'to take a makeup exam'. You might also see this word at a driving school or a language center. If you fail a level test, the teacher might say, 'You need to 补考.' At this stage, remember that '补' is a common character used for 'supplementary' things, like '补习班' (bǔxíbān - cram school). This helps you see the pattern of how the word is built.

As a B1 learner, you need to understand the social and academic implications of '补考'. This is the level where you distinguish between '补考' (taking a test again because of failure) and '缓考' (huǎnkǎo - taking it later due to absence). You should be able to use it as a transitive verb, such as '补考数学' (resit math). You should also understand common collocations like '补考及格' (pass the resit) and '补考费' (resit fee). At this level, you might be reading school notices or university regulations, where '补考安排' (resit schedule) will appear. You should also be able to explain the reason for the resit using connectors like '因为...所以...' (Because... therefore...). For example: 'Because I didn't study hard, I have to 补考.' (因为我没努力学习，所以我必须补考。)

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '补考' in more formal or abstract discussions about education systems. You might compare the '补考' system in China with the 'resit' policies in your home country. You should understand the difference between '补考' and '重修' (chóngxiū - retaking a course) and be able to discuss the consequences of failing a resit. You can use the word in complex sentences with structures like '与其...不如...' (Rather than... it's better to...). For example: 'Rather than relying on the 补考, it's better to study hard now.' (与其指望补考，不如现在就努力学习。) You should also recognize the word in professional contexts, such as '职业资格补考' (professional qualification resit).

At the C1 level, '补考' is a word you use fluently in discussions about educational psychology and policy. You might discuss whether the existence of '补考' reduces student motivation or provides a necessary safety net for mental health. You should be able to use the word as a noun in formal academic writing, perhaps in a sentence like: 'The implementation of a 补考 system has significantly lowered the dropout rate.' (补考制度的实施显著降低了退学率。) You will also encounter the word in literature or news reports about academic scandals or reforms. Your understanding should include the nuance that '补考' can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness in a student's attitude, depending on the context and frequency.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '补考' and its place in the Chinese cultural lexicon. You can use it metaphorically in non-academic contexts, such as '人生没有补考' (There are no makeup exams in life), meaning that some mistakes cannot be fixed. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its relation to the 'Keju' (Imperial Examination) system's modern descendants. You can navigate the most formal bureaucratic language involving '补考资格审核' (audit of resit eligibility) or '补考考场纪律' (resit exam room discipline). At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a window into the values of meritocracy and second chances within Chinese society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

补考 in 30 Seconds

补考 (bǔkǎo) means resit or makeup exam.
Common in schools, universities, and driving tests.
Can be used as a verb (to resit) or a noun (the resit).
It is a second chance to pass before being forced to retake a course.

The Chinese term 补考 (bǔkǎo) is a compound word that every student in the Chinese-speaking world knows—and usually hopes to avoid. It is composed of two characters: 补 (bǔ), which means 'to patch,' 'to mend,' or 'to supplement,' and 考 (kǎo), which is short for 考试 (kǎoshì), meaning 'examination.' Together, they literally translate to a 'supplementary exam' or 'mending exam.' In English, we most commonly refer to this as a resit, a makeup exam, or taking a test again.

Academic Context: In schools and universities, if a student fails a final exam (usually scoring below 60%), the institution often provides a second chance. This is the '补考'.
Professional Licensing: It is not just for schools. If you fail your driver's license theory test or a professional certification, the subsequent attempt is also called a 补考.

要是这次考试没及格，你就得参加下周的补考。 (If you don't pass this exam, you will have to take the makeup exam next week.)

The emotional weight of this word varies. For some, it is a stressful 'last chance' to avoid having to retake an entire course (重修). For others, it is a relief—a safety net that allows for a bad day or an illness to be corrected. In the hierarchy of academic 'second chances,' the 补考 is the first step. If one fails the 补考, the next step is usually 重修 (chóngxiū), which involves paying for and attending the class all over again.

他在假期间一直忙着准备数学补考。 (He was busy preparing for the math resit during the holiday.)

Social Connotation: While not a 'taboo' word, admitting you have a 补考 suggests you didn't perform well, so it carries a slight sense of embarrassment in high-achieving circles.

Culturally, the concept of the 'resit' is deeply tied to the high-pressure Chinese education system. Because exams determine so much of a person's future, the existence of a 补考 is a crucial administrative mechanism. However, for top-tier exams like the Gaokao (College Entrance Exam), there is no '补考' in the same year; if you fail to get the score you want, you must wait an entire year to 复读 (fùdú)—retake the year.

别担心，这门课有补考的机会。 (Don't worry, there is an opportunity for a resit for this course.)

我明天要补考英语。 (I have to resit English tomorrow.)

Using 补考 correctly requires understanding its flexibility as a parts-of-speech chameleon. It fits into sentences both as an action and as a thing. Let's break down the most common grammatical structures.

As a Verb (Intransitive and Transitive): You can simply say 'I need to 补考' or 'I need to 补考 [Subject]'.

他因为生病没参加考试，所以必须补考。 (He didn't attend the exam because he was sick, so he must take a makeup exam.)

When used as a verb with an object, the subject of the exam follows immediately. For example: 补考历史 (resit history), 补考科目二 (resit the second subject of the driving test).

As a Noun with Support Verbs: Common verbs used with the noun 补考 include 参加 (cānjiā - to participate/take), 通过 (tōngguò - to pass), and 准备 (zhǔnbèi - to prepare).

你参加昨天的补考了吗？ (Did you take yesterday's makeup exam?)

In formal documents or school notices, you will see it used in complex phrases like 补考安排 (resit arrangements) or 补考申请 (application for a makeup exam). If you missed an exam due to an emergency, you might need to submit a '补考申请' to the dean's office.

学校公布了这学期的补考名单。 (The school announced the list of students for this semester's makeup exams.)

Negative Forms: To say you don't need to resit, use '不需要' or '不用'. If you failed the resit itself, you say '补考没过' or '补考不及格'.

如果补考还没过，就只能重修了。 (If you still don't pass the makeup exam, you'll have to retake the course.)

The word 补考 is most frequently heard in environments where assessment is formalized. If you are living or working in China, these are the three most likely places you will encounter it.

1. University Campuses: This is the natural habitat of the word. At the end of every semester, students check their grades. If they see a 'D' or an 'F', the immediate next question is '什么时候补考?' (When is the resit?).

大一的学生最怕听到“补考”这两个字。 (Freshmen are most afraid of hearing the two words 'makeup exam'.)

In a dormitory, you might hear a student complaining to their roommate: '我太倒霉了，下周还得回学校补考。' (I'm so unlucky, I have to go back to school next week for a resit.)

2. Driving Schools (驾校 - Jiàxiào): Getting a driver's license in China is a rigorous process involving four 'subjects' (科目). It is very common to fail one of the practical driving tests. Instructors will often say, '没关系，交点补考费，下次再来。' (It's okay, pay the resit fee and come back next time.)

他的科目三没过，正在预约补考。 (He didn't pass Subject 3 and is currently scheduling a resit.)

3. Corporate Training: Many large Chinese corporations require employees to pass safety, ethics, or technical exams. If an employee fails, HR will organize a '补考' for the group.

In an office setting, you might see an email with the subject line: 关于年度安全知识补考的通知 (Notice regarding the annual safety knowledge makeup exam). This is usually more of a formality than the high-stakes university version.

公司规定，所有没通过考核的员工都必须参加补考。 (Company policy dictates that all employees who didn't pass the assessment must take a makeup exam.)

Even though 补考 seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with other 're-' words in Chinese. Let's look at the most frequent errors.

Confusing 补考 with 复习 (fùxí): Mistake: Saying 'I need to 补考' when you mean 'I need to review.'
Correction: 补考 is the act of taking the test. 复习 is the act of studying for it.

Incorrect: 我要补考我的笔记。 (I want to resit my notes.)
Correct: 我要复习我的笔记。 (I want to review my notes.)

Confusing 补考 with 重修 (chóngxiū): Mistake: Using these interchangeably.
Correction: 补考 is just a second test. 重修 means you failed the course completely and must attend all the lectures again next year.

Grammar: The 'To take' Verb: Mistake: Using '做' (zuò - to do) or '拿' (ná - to take/grab) with 补考.
Correction: Use '参加' (cānjiā - to participate) or '进行' (jìnxíng - to conduct).

Incorrect: 我下周要做补考。
Correct: 我下周要参加补考。

Another nuance is the difference between 补考 and 缓考 (huǎnkǎo). 补考 is for those who failed. 缓考 is a 'deferred exam' for those who had a valid reason (like a doctor's note) to miss the original date. While the actual test paper might be the same, the academic record treats them differently.

While 补考 is the most standard term, several synonyms and related words exist depending on the context and the level of formality.

重考 (chóngkǎo): Meaning: To re-examine.
Difference: This is a broader term. It can mean a makeup exam, but it can also mean that the *entire group* has to take the test again because of a leak or a technical error.
补测 (bǔcè): Meaning: Makeup measurement/test.
Usage: Often used for physical education (PE) tests or health check-ups rather than academic written exams.
清考 (qīngkǎo): Meaning: 'Clearing' exam.
Context: This is a specific university term for a final, last-ditch exam given to seniors right before graduation to help them pass any remaining failed subjects.

对比:
1. 我在准备补考。 (I'm preparing for the resit - standard.)
2. 体育老师说明天进行体能补测。 (The PE teacher said there's a makeup fitness test tomorrow.)

In some informal contexts, students might use slang like 二战 (èrzhàn). While this literally means 'World War II', in student slang, it refers to a 'second battle' or a second attempt at a very difficult exam, like the postgraduate entrance exam (考研).

Comparison Table

补考: Standard makeup for failure.
缓考: Makeup for an excused absence.
重修: Retaking the entire class.
重考: Retaking for any reason (e.g., to get a higher score).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China's Imperial Exams, there was rarely a '补考'. If you failed, you often had to wait three years for the next attempt. The modern '补考' is a result of Western-style semester systems.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bǔ kǎo/

US /bu³ kʰao³/

In Mandarin, both syllables are stressed equally, but the second-to-third tone sandhi makes the first syllable sound slightly more dynamic.

Rhymes With

古 (gǔ) 五 (wǔ) 草 (cǎo) 老 (lǎo) 好 (hǎo) 找 (zhǎo) 跑 (pǎo) 少 (shǎo)

Common Errors

Pronouncing both as flat tones (bū kāo).
Forgetting the tone sandhi (trying to do two full third tones, which sounds robotic).
Confusing 'bǔ' with 'pǔ' (pǔkǎo is not a word).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common and easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

The character '补' has a specific radical (衤) that is often confused with (礻).

Speaking 2/5

Tone sandhi (3rd + 3rd) is the only minor hurdle.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound in academic contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

考试及格学习老师学生

Learn Next

重修挂科缓考录取毕业

Advanced

教务处学分制绩点查漏补缺名落孙山

Grammar to Know

Tone Sandhi (3-3 to 2-3)

补 (bǔ) + 考 (kǎo) becomes búkǎo.

Verb-Object Compounds

补考 can take a direct object like 补考英语.

The 'Passive 被' with Exam Results

他被取消了补考资格。

Time Phrases with Events

下周一补考 (Resit next Monday).

Resultative Complements

补考及格 (Resit and pass).

Examples by Level

我明天要补考。

I have a makeup exam tomorrow.

Simple Subject + Time + Verb structure.

补考难吗？

Is the makeup exam hard?

Noun + Adjective + 吗 question.

他不去玩，他要补考。

He isn't going out to play; he has a resit.

Contrasting two actions.

老师，我有补考吗？

Teacher, do I have a makeup exam?

Asking for information about oneself.

补考在三号教室。

The resit is in Room 3.

Indicating location of an event.

我要准备补考。

I need to prepare for the makeup exam.

Verb '准备' + Noun '补考'.

补考几点开始？

What time does the makeup exam start?

Asking about time.

他不爱补考。

He doesn't like makeup exams.

Expressing dislike.

如果你没及格，就得补考。

If you don't pass, you have to take a resit.

If... then... (如果...就...) structure.

我必须参加下周的补考。

I must participate in next week's resit.

Using 参加 (participate) with 补考.

补考的题目很简单。

The resit questions are very simple.

Using '的' to describe the resit.

他补考及格了，很高兴。

He passed the resit and is very happy.

Resultative complement '及格' after the verb.

学校什么时候安排补考？

When will the school arrange the resit?

Using 安排 (arrange) as a verb.

我昨天补考了英语。

I resat English yesterday.

Verb-Object structure (补考 + Subject).

别担心，你还有补考的机会。

Don't worry, you still have a chance for a resit.

Noun phrase '补考的机会'.

他因为生病错过了补考。

He missed the resit because he was sick.

Using 因为 (because) to explain a situation.

如果补考再不及格，你就得重修了。

If you fail the resit again, you'll have to retake the course.

Using '再' for repeated failure.

他正在图书馆为明天的补考做准备。

He is in the library preparing for tomorrow's resit.

Using '为...做准备' (prepare for...).

这次补考的及格率非常高。

The pass rate for this resit is very high.

Using academic terms like '及格率'.

我需要交多少补考费？

How much resit fee do I need to pay?

Using the specific term '补考费'.

补考名单已经贴在公告栏上了。

The resit list has already been posted on the bulletin board.

Passive meaning with '贴在...上'.

由于交通堵塞，他迟到了补考。

Due to a traffic jam, he was late for the resit.

Using '由于' (due to) for formal reasons.

他决定放弃补考，直接重修。

He decided to give up on the resit and retake the course directly.

Using '放弃' (give up).

老师同意给他一次补考的机会。

The teacher agreed to give him a chance for a resit.

Verb '同意' (agree) + infinitive-like structure.

学校的补考政策最近发生了变化。

The school's resit policy has recently changed.

Using '政策' (policy) as a noun.

虽然补考通过了，但他还是觉得很丢脸。

Although he passed the resit, he still felt very embarrassed.

Although... yet... (虽然...但是...) structure.

为了公平起见，补考的难度和原考试相当。

For the sake of fairness, the difficulty of the resit is comparable to the original exam.

Using '为了...起见' (for the sake of...).

他申请了缓考，而不是补考。

He applied for a deferred exam, not a makeup exam.

Contrasting '缓考' and '补考'.

补考并不意味着你可以不努力学习。

A resit doesn't mean you can avoid studying hard.

Using '并不意味着' (doesn't necessarily mean).

有些大学已经取消了毕业前的清考，只保留补考。

Some universities have canceled 'clearing exams' before graduation, keeping only resits.

Using '取消' (cancel) and '保留' (keep).

他补考的分数被记入了最终成绩单。

His resit score was recorded in the final transcript.

Passive voice with '被'.

参加补考的学生需要提前在网上报名。

Students taking the resit need to register online in advance.

Using '提前' (in advance) and '报名' (register).

补考制度在一定程度上缓解了学生的学业压力。

The resit system has, to some extent, alleviated students' academic pressure.

Using '在一定程度上' (to a certain extent).

频繁的补考可能会导致学生产生侥幸心理。

Frequent resits may lead students to develop a 'fluke' mentality.

Using '导致' (lead to) and '侥幸心理' (fluke mentality).

教育专家对是否应该取消补考存在很大争议。

Education experts have a lot of controversy over whether resits should be canceled.

Using '对...存在争议' (there is controversy over...).

补考不仅是成绩的弥补，更是对知识的查漏补缺。

A resit is not just a compensation for grades, but a way to find and fill gaps in knowledge.

Using the idiom '查漏补缺' (fill the gaps).

他因作弊被取消了所有课程的补考资格。

He was disqualified from resitting all courses due to cheating.

Using '取消...资格' (disqualify).

有些课程因其特殊性，并不设立补考环节。

Due to their special nature, some courses do not have a resit component.

Using '因其' (because of its) and '环节' (component/link).

在职业技能鉴定中，补考往往需要支付额外的费用。

In vocational skill assessments, resits often require the payment of extra fees.

Using '往往' (often) for general trends.

补考成绩的计算方式各校不尽相同。

The calculation method for resit grades varies from school to school.

Using '不尽相同' (not entirely the same).

人生并非考场，许多错失的机会是无法补考的。

Life is not an exam hall; many missed opportunities cannot be resat.

Metaphorical usage of 补考.

补考制度的存废，折射出教育理念的变迁。

The existence or abolition of the resit system reflects changes in educational philosophy.

Using '存废' (existence or abolition) and '折射' (reflect).

在严谨的学术评估体系中，补考被视为一种必要的救济手段。

In a rigorous academic assessment system, resits are seen as a necessary means of relief.

Using '救济手段' (means of relief/remedy).

尽管补考提供了转圜余地，但学生仍应以初试为重。

Although resits provide room for maneuver, students should still prioritize the first attempt.

Using '转圜余地' (room for maneuver/leeway).

该政策旨在规范补考流程，杜绝人情分的介入。

The policy aims to standardize the resit process and eliminate the intervention of 'favoritism grades'.

Using '杜绝' (eliminate) and '人情分' (favoritism/sympathy points).

补考通知的措辞应当严谨，以免引起误解。

The wording of the resit notice should be rigorous to avoid misunderstanding.

Using '措辞' (wording) and '以免' (so as not to).

补考不仅考验学生的学术水平，更考验其心理承受能力。

A resit tests not only the student's academic level but also their psychological resilience.

Using '不仅...更...' (not only... but even more...).

通过补考，他终于获得了梦寐以求的学位证书。

Through the resit, he finally obtained the long-awaited degree certificate.

Using '梦寐以求' (dreamed of).

Synonyms

重考再考复考补测

Antonyms

初试免试

Common Collocations

参加补考

补考及格

补考费

安排补考

补考通知

补考名单

补考科目

申请补考

错过补考

补考难度

Common Phrases

挂科补考

— To fail a subject and then take the resit.

大学里挂科补考很常见。

驾照补考

— A resit for a driver's license test.

他的驾照补考终于过了。

期末补考

— A makeup exam for a final exam.

期末补考通常在下学期初。

线上补考

— An online makeup exam.

因为疫情，学校组织了线上补考。

统一补考

— A standardized resit for all students.

学校将进行统一补考。

补考机会

— An opportunity to take a resit.

这是你最后一次补考机会。

补考成绩

— The grade received on a resit.

补考成绩只记为及格。

补考资格

— Eligibility to take a resit.

缺课太多会失去补考资格。

补考安排表

— The schedule for makeup exams.

请查看最新的补考安排表。

补考报名

— Registration for a resit.

补考报名截止到明天。

Often Confused With

补考 vs 复习

Reviewing vs. taking the actual test.

补考 vs 重修

Retaking a course vs. just retaking the exam.

补考 vs 缓考

Resit due to failure vs. resit due to absence.

Idioms & Expressions

"查漏补缺"

— To find gaps and fill them; often used when studying for a 补考.

这次补考是你查漏补缺的好机会。

Formal

"亡羊补牢"

— To mend the fold after the sheep are lost; similar to taking a 补考 after failing.

虽然考试没过，但补考是亡羊补牢，还不晚。

Literary

"再接再厉"

— To make persistent efforts; used to encourage someone facing a 补考.

补考没关系，再接再厉，下次一定行。

Neutral

"知耻后勇"

— To feel ashamed and then act with courage; working hard after a failure.

他知耻后勇，在补考中拿了高分。

Literary

"笨鸟先飞"

— A slow bird should fly early; used for someone who needs to study hard for a resit.

我基础不好，只能笨鸟先飞，提前准备补考。

Humble

"金榜题名"

— To pass a high-level exam; the opposite feeling of needing a 补考.

祝你金榜题名，不用参加补考。

Literary

"名落孙山"

— To fail an exam; the reason one needs a 补考.

虽然名落孙山，但他通过补考挽回了局面。

Literary

"临阵磨枪"

— To sharpen the spear before battle; cramming for a 补考.

平时不努力，补考前才临阵磨枪。

Informal

"一考定终身"

— One exam decides one's life; the reason why people fear failing and rely on 补考.

中国教育不再是一考定终身，现在有很多补考和重修的机会。

Neutral

"名列前茅"

— To be at the top of the list; students who are here never need a 补考.

他成绩名列前茅，从不需要补考。

Neutral

Easily Confused

补考 vs 重考

Both mean 'test again'.

补考 is usually for those who failed. 重考 can be for everyone (e.g., due to a leak).

考试泄题了，全校重考。

补考 vs 补习

Both start with '补'.

补习 is tutoring/extra study. 补考 is the exam itself.

他在上数学补习班。

补考 vs 补课

Both start with '补'.

补课 is making up a missed class. 补考 is making up a missed/failed test.

老师明天给我们补课。

补考 vs 高考

Both end with '考'.

高考 is the famous college entrance exam. You cannot '补考' the Gaokao; you must wait a year.

他正在准备高考。

补考 vs 考查

Both involve '考'.

考查 is an assessment or inspection. 补考 is specifically a resit.

这是本学期的考查科目。

Sentence Patterns

我 + [Time] + 补考。

我明天补考。

如果...就得 + 补考。

如果没及格就得补考。

参加 + [Subject] + 的补考。

参加数学的补考。

为 + 补考 + 做准备。

为补考做准备。

由于...申请...补考。

由于生病，他申请了补考。

不仅是...更是...补考。

这不仅是补考，更是挑战。

在...中，补考被视为...。

在教学中，补考被视为救济。

与其...不如...补考。

与其担心，不如好好准备补考。

Word Family

Nouns

考试 (exam)

考生 (examinee)

考场 (exam hall)

考卷 (exam paper)

Verbs

考 (to test)

补 (to mend/supplement)

补课 (makeup lesson)

补救 (remedy)

Adjectives

补考的 (related to resit)

重修 (retake course)

挂科 (fail a subject)

及格 (pass)

分数 (score)

学分 (credit)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in academic and licensing contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '做补考' → 使用 '参加补考'
In Chinese, you 'participate' in an exam, you don't 'do' it.
Confusing 补考 with 补习 → 补考 (exam) vs 补习 (tutoring)
You go to 补习班 to study so you don't have to 补考.
Thinking 补考 is only for schools → It's also for driving and professional tests.
Broaden your context of usage beyond just university.
Writing 补 with only one dot on the left → Use 衤 (two dots).
This is a common orthographic error for learners.
Assuming 补考 can improve a 'C' to an 'A' → Only use it for failing grades.
In the Chinese system, you cannot resit to improve a passing grade.

Tips

Focus on Basics

Since 补考 often aims to test minimum competency, focus on the core concepts rather than advanced details.

Check the List

Always double-check the '补考名单' (resit list) to ensure you are officially registered.

Stay Calm

Failing an exam is common. Use the 补考 as a learning opportunity rather than a source of shame.

Find a Study Buddy

Find others who are also taking the 补考; you can share notes and motivate each other.

Don't Wait

Start preparing for the 补考 as soon as you know you failed; don't wait until the holiday ends.

Keep Evidence

If you are taking a 补考 due to illness, keep your medical records for the '申请' (application).

Practice More

For driving resits, spend the extra time in the car, not just reading the book.

Learn Related Terms

Master '及格' and '不及格' alongside '补考' to understand your results.

Radical Check

Remember: 补 (mend) has the 'clothing' radical because you mend clothes.

Respect the System

Understand that in China, the 补考 is a formal process; treat it with the same respect as the original exam.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '补' as a Band-Aid and '考' as a Test. You're putting a Band-Aid on a failed test to fix your grade.

Visual Association

Imagine a student with a needle and thread literally sewing a failing grade ('F') into a passing grade ('C'). That 'sewing' is the '补' part.

Word Web

考试及格不及格补习重修学分老师学生

Challenge

Try to use '补考' in a sentence today to describe a second chance you need in any part of your life, even if it's not school-related.

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound. '补' (bǔ) dates back to oracle bone script, depicting a needle and thread mending clothes. '考' (kǎo) originally meant 'old' or 'father' but evolved to mean 'investigate' or 'test'.

Original meaning: To supplement or mend an examination.

Sino-Tibetan / Sinitic

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking someone if they have a 补考; it implies they failed, which can be sensitive for some students.

In the UK, it's called a 'resit'. In the US, it's a 'makeup exam' or 'retake'.

Mentioned in many 'youth' (青春) genre Chinese dramas like 'With You' (最好的我们). Often a plot point in school-life web novels. Commonly discussed on platforms like Zhihu (Chinese Quora).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Life

挂科了要补考
补考安排表
交补考费
补考及格

Driving School

科目二补考
补考费多少钱
预约补考
补考通过

Corporate Training

入职考试补考
安全培训补考
线上补考系统
补考名单

Language Learning

等级考试补考
听力补考
口语补考
补考申请书

High School

期中补考
老师安排补考
准备补考
补考题目

Conversation Starters

"你最近在忙什么？是在准备补考吗？"

"听说这次数学考试很难，会有很多人要补考吧？"

"如果补考没过，你们学校可以重修吗？"

"你参加过驾校的补考吗？感觉怎么样？"

"你觉得补考的题目通常比正考简单还是难？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你人生中第一次参加补考的经历。当时的心情是怎样的？

你认为学校应该取消补考制度吗？为什么？请陈述你的理由。

如果你是老师，你会如何安排补考来帮助学生更好地掌握知识？

描述一个你为了准备补考而努力学习的周末。

讨论‘人生没有补考’这句话给你的启发。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In most Chinese universities, if you fail the resit, you must '重修' (chóngxiū), which means retaking the entire course in a later semester and paying the course fee again.

Usually not. Most schools cap the 补考 grade at 60 (a pass). Even if you get 100 on the resit, your transcript might only show 60 or 'Pass'.

It depends on the institution. Many public universities offer one free resit, while driving schools and private certification bodies usually charge a '补考费'.

In universities, they typically happen at the start of the next semester (e.g., March for Fall fails, September for Spring fails).

Yes, in many schools you can choose to skip the resit if you prefer to learn the material again from scratch.

Usually, yes. Mid-terms or quizzes might have 'makeup' opportunities, but the term '补考' specifically refers to the formalized resit of a final assessment.

补考 is for those who failed (不及格). 缓考 is for those who had a valid excuse to miss the original date (e.g., illness with a doctor's note).

Generally, no. 补考 is only for failing grades. To get a higher grade, you usually have to '重修' (retake the course).

This is a common student debate. Some say it's easier to help students pass; others say it's harder to discourage failing the first time.

Yes, it usually indicates that the grade was achieved via a resit, which can affect your GPA or job applications in some competitive fields.