Translation and Meaning of: 補足 - hosoku

The Japanese word 「補足」(hosoku) is composed of two kanji: 「補」 and 「足」. The first kanji, 「補」(ho), means "supplementary," "complete," or "compensate." It is often used in contexts where something needs to be added or amended to achieve completeness. The second kanji, 「足」(soku), carries the meaning of "foot," but when combined with other kanji, as in this case, it takes on a more abstract sense, referring to "add" or "sufficient." Together, 「補足」 adopts the meaning of "supplement" or "additional," being used to describe additional information or clarifications about a topic.

Etymologically, the combination of these two kanji refers to the idea of adding or complementing information to make something complete or clearer. This construction is quite common in Japanese, where two or more kanji come together to form compound words, leveraging and expanding their basic meanings. It is interesting to note how the concept of addition and complementation is central to this word, always reflecting the goal of improving understanding or filling gaps.

In daily Japanese, 「補足」 is often used in academic or professional contexts, where additional details may be needed for a presentation or explanation. It can also be seen in simpler contexts, such as when giving instructions or directions, where adding details can prevent confusion. It is a useful word to convey the idea of providing more information to enhance the completeness and clarity of something previously established.

By exploring different ways to use this word, we can observe its presence in various expressions and contexts that go beyond verbal communication. In written materials, 「補足」 can appear as a footnote or an appendix in a document, serving as a means to add crucial details to the main information. This versatile usage illustrates how, in many cultures including Japan, clarity and precision of communication are highly valued, and how the tools to achieve them are deeply integrated into the language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 補足 (Hosoku) - Addition or supplementary information.
• 追加説明 (Tsuika Setsumei) - Additional explanation for clarification.
• 補足説明 (Hosoku Setsumei) - Supplementary explanation.
• 補足事項 (Hosoku Jikou) - Supplementary points to be considered.
• 補足情報 (Hosoku Jouhou) - Supplementary information.
• 補足記述 (Hosoku Kijutsu) - Supplementary description.
• 補足コメント (Hosoku Komento) - Additional or supplementary comments.
• 補足文 (Hosoku Bun) - Supplementary text.
• 補足書き込み (Hosoku Kakikomi) - Supplementary notes.
• 補足記載 (Hosoku Kisai) - Supplementary record.
• 補足説明書 (Hosoku Setsumeisho) - Supplementary explanations manual.
• 補足説明文 (Hosoku Setsumei Bun) - Supplementary explanatory text.
• 補足説明書き (Hosoku Setsumei Kaki) - Writing of supplementary explanations.
• 補足説明コメント (Hosoku Setsumei Komento) - Comments on supplementary explanations.
• 補足説明文書 (Hosoku Setsumei Bunsho) - Supplementary explanations document.
• 補足説明コメント書き込み (Hosoku Setsumei Komento Kakikomi) - Notes of comments on supplementary explanations.

補足

Romaji: hosoku
Kana: ほそく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: supplement; complement

Meaning in English: supplement;complement

Definition: Japanese dictionaries are books and materials that explain the meaning of words, how they are used, and the origins of the vocabulary.

Example Sentences - (補足) hosoku

See below some example sentences:

この補足は重要です。

Kono hosoku wa juuyou desu

This explanatory note is important.

This supplement is important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 補足 - noun that means "supplement" or "additional explanation"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - adjective that means "important" or "crucial"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative