bǔxí

Also written: buxi; supplementary study; tutoring; cram lessons

To study outside normal class time in order to strengthen knowledge or skills, catch up, prepare for exams, or receive tutoring.

Literal meaning

to supplement one’s study

Cultural context

Bǔxí may happen with a private tutor, classmate, family member, teacher, or at a 补习班, supplementary school or cram school. It can reflect both educational support and intense academic pressure.

How dramas use it

Youth dramas use tutoring sessions to build friendship, competition, embarrassment, family conflict, academic improvement, or forced proximity between characters.

Usage & formality

Tutoring fits many scenes, but supplementary study or cram-school study may be more accurate when no one-on-one tutor is involved.