When combined, 补习班 (bǔxíbān) literally translates to a “supplementary practice class.” This perfectly describes its function: a class you take to supplement your regular schooling through focused practice and study.
The concept of the `补习班` is deeply woven into the fabric of modern Chinese society and is a direct consequence of its hyper-competitive education system. The single most important driver is the 高考 (gāokǎo), the national college entrance exam. A student's score on this one exam can determine their entire future—which university they can attend and, by extension, their career prospects. To an American or Westerner, a `补习班` might seem like “tutoring.” However, there's a crucial difference in scale and purpose. In the West, tutoring is often remedial, intended to help a student who is falling behind. An “after-school program” might be for enrichment, like drama club or sports. A `补习班` is different. It's a massive, parallel education industry. It's not just for struggling students; in fact, top students are often the most likely to attend to get an even greater advantage. Attending a `补习班` is seen less as a sign of weakness and more as a sign of ambition and a family's investment in their child's future. It reflects the deep-seated cultural value that education is the primary path to success and upward social mobility, a belief with roots stretching back to the ancient imperial examination system. The intense competition, often described by the modern buzzword 内卷 (nèijuǎn) or “involution,” means that if everyone else's child is attending a `补习班`, you feel immense pressure to have your child attend one too, just to keep up.
The term `补习班` is a part of everyday conversation, especially among families with school-aged children.