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To correct or compensate for a past error or wrongdoing.
公司因管理不当受到批评，新任CEO承诺将弥补过失。
The company was criticized for poor management, and the new CEO promised to make amends.
他意识到自己的过失后，主动向受害者道歉并尝试弥补过失。
After realizing his mistake, he apologized to the victim and tried to make amends.
Commonly used in legal, business, or personal contexts to describe actions taken to rectify past errors.
Use '弥补过失' when the action is intentional and aimed at restoring trust or rectifying harm. Avoid using it for minor or accidental mistakes where '改正错误' (correct a mistake) would be more appropriate.
This phrase carries a formal tone. In casual conversation, alternatives like '改过自新' (reform oneself) or '道歉' (apologize) may be used instead.
The phrase combines '弥补' (míbǔ, to make up for, compensate) and '过失' (guòshī, fault, mistake). '弥补' derives from '弥' (to fill, repair) and '补' (to mend), while '过失' comes from '过' (to exceed, error) and '失' (loss, failure). Together, they form a concept rooted in Confucian ideals of moral accountability and self-correction.
This phrase is typically used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal disputes, workplace conflicts, or personal relationships. It implies a proactive effort to restore trust or rectify harm caused by one's actions.