互补 hùbǔ complementary
complementary; to complement each other
How to remember 互补: 互 mutually + 补 to fix = complementary.
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How it is used
- To complement each other, each supplying what the other lacks - 两人性格互补 (liǎng rén xìnggé hùbǔ) the two have complementary personalities.
- Stresses mutual filling-in (互 = mutually + 补 = to supplement), common in 优势互补 (yōushì hùbǔ) complementary strengths and in tech/economics.
- Not the same as 互相帮助 (helping each other); 互补 is about fitting together like puzzle pieces.