Table of Contents

xiūbǔ: 修补 - To Mend, Patch, Repair

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

The word 修补 (xiūbǔ) taps into the traditional Chinese value of 节俭 (jiéjiǎn), or frugality. For generations, mending and reusing items, especially clothing, was not just a necessity but a virtue. A person who could 修补 their own belongings was seen as resourceful and responsible. This contrasts with the “fast fashion” or disposable culture that has become more prevalent in some Western societies, where it's often easier and cheaper to replace a torn shirt than to mend it. While this is also changing in China, the concept of 修补 as a positive, resourceful act remains deeply ingrained. Metaphorically, the idea of 修补关系 (xiūbǔ guānxì), or “mending a relationship,” is very significant. It aligns with the cultural emphasis on maintaining social harmony. Unlike the casual American phrase “patch things up,” which can sometimes imply a temporary fix, 修补关系 suggests a more earnest and deliberate effort to restore a relationship to its original, harmonious state, filling the “hole” created by a conflict.

Practical Usage in Modern China

修补 is a common and practical word used in various contexts, from daily life to technology.

The word is generally neutral in connotation and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes

The most common mistake for learners is confusing 修补 (xiūbǔ) with 修理 (xiūlǐ).

Another related term is 修复 (xiūfù), which means “to restore.” 修复 is more formal and implies returning something to its original, perfect condition, often used for art, historical artifacts, or data recovery. You 修补 a crack in a cup, but you would 修复 a Ming dynasty vase.