1.
supplementary lessons; remedial classes; extra instruction given to help students catch up or prepare for exams
Additional classes held outside the regular schedule, either to help struggling students catch up with coursework or to provide extra preparation for exams. Often held during breaks or after school.
Combines 補習 (supplementary study) and 授業 (class, lesson). Often shortened to just 補習 in casual conversation.
Common collocations
- 補習授業を受ける: to take supplementary lessons
- 補習授業を行う: to hold supplementary lessons
- 夏休みの補習授業: summer break supplementary classes
- 放課後の補習授業: after-school supplementary classes
Usage
Very common in Japanese schools. Many high schools hold 補習授業 during summer and winter breaks, especially in the lead-up to university entrance exams. The word can refer to both remedial classes (for struggling students) and exam-prep sessions (for all students). In casual speech, often just called 補習.