The word 补偿 is formed through the combination of two meaningful characters, each contributing to the overall concept. The first character, 补 (bǔ), carries the core idea of mending, filling in, or making up for a deficiency. The second character, 偿 (cháng), introduces the notion of repaying, fulfilling, or settling a debt or obligation. When merged, they create a compound where 偿 acts upon and specifies the action of 补; the resulting meaning is not merely to "supplement" but to make up for a loss or deficiency by providing an equivalent, thus forming the complete idea of compensation or recompense.