補欠(ほけつ)

ほけつ
noun
substitute; reserve; alternate
person
1. substitute; reserve player; alternate
A person who fills in for someone who is absent or unable to participate. Commonly used in sports for reserve or bench players, and in elections or exams for alternates.
今日(きょう)の試合(しあい)は補欠(ほけつ)だった。
I was a substitute in today's game.
補欠(ほけつ)選手(せんしゅ)としてベンチに座(すわ)っていた。
I sat on the bench as a reserve player.
補欠(ほけつ)合格(ごうかく)の通知(つうち)が届(とど)いたときは、うれしさと不安(ふあん)が入(い)り混(ま)じった気持(きも)ちだった。
When I received the notice of alternate acceptance, I felt a mix of joy and anxiety.

Usage

補欠(ほけつ) is used in several distinct contexts:

1. SPORTS: A reserve or bench player who may be called on if a regular player cannot play.
2. EXAMS/ADMISSIONS: 補欠(ほけつ)合格(ごうかく) means being placed on a waitlist; the candidate is accepted if someone who passed declines their spot.
3. ELECTIONS: 補欠(ほけつ)選挙(せんきょ) (by-election) is held when a seat becomes vacant.

Common collocations

  • 補欠(ほけつ)選手(せんしゅ) (reserve player)
  • 補欠(ほけつ)合格(ごうかく) (alternate/waitlist acceptance)
  • 補欠(ほけつ)選挙(せんきょ) (by-election)
  • 補欠(ほけつ)要員(よういん) (backup personnel)

Related Words

Compare: 控(ひか)え選手(せんしゅ) (substitute player)
Compare: 交代(こうたい)選手(せんしゅ) (substitute player)
general
Added 2026.3.9 17:37 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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