The Chinese word 填补 (tiánbǔ) is a compound verb formed by combining two characters with related meanings: 填 (tián), meaning "to fill" (as in filling a hole or space), and 补 (bǔ), meaning "to mend", "to repair", or "to supplement". Together, they create a nuanced term that means "to fill up (a gap, vacancy, or deficiency)" or "to make good a shortage", where 填 emphasizes the act of putting something into an empty space, and 补 adds the connotation of correcting an inadequacy or completing something that is lacking. This formation follows a common pattern in Mandarin where two synonyms or near-synonyms are joined to reinforce and specify a broader conceptual meaning.