The Meaning of hosoku [補足] In Japanese

補足
ほそく
Romaji: hosoku N4

What does 補足 mean?

Translation and Meaning

supplement, addition, extra information

Definition

What does 補足 mean? It refers to something added to complete or clarify a thing by supplying missing details, notes, or materials; a supplement or supplementary information that supports a statement, document, or presentation.

Type

noun (suru-verb)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Supplement to a document, argument, or plan; a way to fill gaps with extra information
  • Clarification or explanatory note added to improve understanding
  • Supplementary materials or data provided separately from the main content

Composition

  • 補: to supplement, to supply, to compensate
  • 足: foot, leg; also sufficiency or adequacy

Usage

Used in formal, written, and academic contexts; as a noun to denote supplemental content, and as a verb 補足する to mean to supplement or to add. In everyday language, people may say 補足します to politely offer additional info during a discussion; in documents you will see 補足資料 or 補足説明.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a missing puzzle piece being added by a footstep—the foot (足) steps in to make the whole thing complete, just like 補足 adds missing information.

Variations

  • 追加 (ついか) — addition
  • 追補 (ついほ) — supplementary update
  • 補足資料 (ほそくしりょう) — companion materials

Words with the same Meaning

Example Phrases

  • 授業の補足を 先生が くれる ときに ノートを 取る。
    Jugyō no hosoku o sensei ga kureru toki ni nooto o toru.
    I take notes when the teacher provides supplementary explanations in class.
    Lista:
    • 授業の補足を (jugyō no hosoku o) – lesson supplement
    • 先生が (sensei ga) – the teacher
    • くれる (kureru) – gives (to me)
    • ときに (toki ni) – when
    • ノートを (nooto o) – notebook
    • 取る (toru) – take
    Core point: 「補足」 means ‘supplement’ or ‘additional explanation’, here the object of くれる in 授業の補足をくれる.
補足