The kanji 補 primarily conveys the meaning of "to supplement," "to compensate," "to assist," or "to make up for something." It implies adding to something that is lacking or fixing a deficiency. It encompasses actions to restore balance, provide support, or complete something.

・On-yomi (音読み): ホ (ho) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): おぎな.う (ogina.u) - to supplement, to make up for

⚫︎ 補習(ほしゅう) Translation: Supplementary lessons; remedial instruction. ⚫︎ 補償(ほしょう) Translation: Compensation; indemnification. ⚫︎ 補助(ほじょ) Translation: Assistance; aid; subsidy.

The kanji 補 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It is composed of the semantic component 衣 (ころも - cloth, clothing) and the phonetic component 甫 (ho). The original meaning related to patching or mending clothes. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass the broader ideas of supplementing, compensating, and assisting, extending beyond the context of clothing. The component 衣 indicates that the character has something to do with clothing. The component 甫 is used for its phonetic value ho.