Difference between 償う and 補う


[This question](https://japanese.stackexchange.com/questions/38950/difference-
between-%E8%B4%96%E3%81%86-%E3%81%82%E3%81%8C%E3%81%AA%E3%81%86-and-%E5%84%9F%E3%81%86-%E3%81%A4%E3%81%90%E3%81%AA%E3%81%86)
already explores the difference between [贖う]{あがなう} and [償う]{つぐなう}, but I
wanted to throw [補う]{おぎなう} into the mix as well.

goo辞書 doesn't list them as synonyms, so what is the difference?




補う is more about compensating for a _lack_ of something else. Some of it's
other definitions include "complementing" and "supplementing". Some 熟語 might
give you a better idea.

>   * [補助]{ほ・じょ} → assistance; support; aid; help
>     * 補助的 → ancillary; auxillary
>     * 補助輪 → training wheels
>     * 補助いす → booster seat
>     * 補助[犬]{けん} → helper/service dog
>   * [補佐]{ほ・さ} → aid; assistance; counselor; advisor
>     * 補佐的 → supportive (role); assistant; assisting
>   * [補足]{ほ・そく} → supplement; complement
>     * 補足情報 → supplementary information
>     * 補足説明 → supplementary explanation
>   * [補欠]{ほ・けつ} → filling a vacancy; alternate; spare
>     * 補欠選挙 → special election; by-election
>     * 補欠選手 → substitute player; benchwarmer
>

However, there is a bit of overlap:

>   * [補償]{ほ・しょう} → compensation; reparation
>     * 補償金 → compensation payment; reparation
>

When I worked in Japan, I received a travel stipend. I would turn in my train
cards (回数券) and ask the secretary 「補償金お願いします」 (we were on very familiar terms,
so this is probably not the most polite way to ask for it in "real world").




補う is more about compensating for a _lack_ of something else. Some of it's
other definitions include "complementing" and "supplementing". Some 熟語 might
give you a better idea.

>   * [補助]{ほ・じょ} → assistance; support; aid; help
>     * 補助的 → ancillary; auxillary
>     * 補助輪 → training wheels
>     * 補助いす → booster seat
>     * 補助[犬]{けん} → helper/service dog
>   * [補佐]{ほ・さ} → aid; assistance; counselor; advisor
>     * 補佐的 → supportive (role); assistant; assisting
>   * [補足]{ほ・そく} → supplement; complement
>     * 補足情報 → supplementary information
>     * 補足説明 → supplementary explanation
>   * [補欠]{ほ・けつ} → filling a vacancy; alternate; spare
>     * 補欠選挙 → special election; by-election
>     * 補欠選手 → substitute player; benchwarmer
>

However, there is a bit of overlap:

>   * [補償]{ほ・しょう} → compensation; reparation
>     * 補償金 → compensation payment; reparation
>

When I worked in Japan, I received a travel stipend. I would turn in my train
cards (回数券) and ask the secretary 「補償金お願いします」 (we were on very familiar terms,
so this is probably not the most polite way to ask for it in "real world").

