補語(ほご)

ほご
noun
complement (grammar)
1. complement; a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a predicate
A grammatical term for a word or phrase needed to complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or other predicate. In Japanese grammar, it typically refers to elements marked by particles that are required by the verb.
この文(ぶん)の補語(ほご)はどれですか。
Which is the complement in this sentence?
英語(えいご)では主語(しゅご)と補語(ほご)が等(ひと)しい関係(かんけい)にある。
In English, the subject and complement have an equal relationship.
日本語(にほんご)文法(ぶんぽう)では、動詞(どうし)が必要(ひつよう)とする名詞句(めいしく)を補語(ほご)と呼(よ)ぶことがある。
In Japanese grammar, noun phrases required by a verb are sometimes called complements.

Composed of 補(ほ) (supplement, complement) + 語(ご) (word, language). A technical term used in linguistics and grammar education.

In English grammar, a complement follows a linking verb (e.g., "She is a teacher" — "a teacher" is the complement). In Japanese linguistics, the term is used somewhat differently to refer to required arguments of a predicate.

RELATED TERMS:

  • 主語(しゅご): subject
  • 述語(じゅつご): predicate
  • 目的語(もくてきご): object
  • 修飾語(しゅうしょくご): modifier

NOTE:
Not to be confused with the homophone 保護(ほご) (protection), which uses different kanji.

general
Added 2026.4.8 4:16 · Revised 2026.4.10 17:28
22500/22867_hogo