赔偿 (péicháng) is a verb meaning 'to compensate' or 'to make restitution', typically for loss, damage, injury, or financial harm caused to another person or party. The character 赔 (péi) means 'to lose money' or 'to suffer a loss', while 偿 (cháng) means 'to repay' or 'to make up for'. Together, they convey the idea of repaying a loss — not just financially, but also morally or legally. It’s commonly used in formal, legal, or official contexts, such as insurance claims, court rulings, workplace accidents, or consumer rights situations.

This word implies responsibility and obligation: the party who caused the harm is expected to provide compensation. It’s rarely used in casual daily speech unless referring to a concrete, serious incident. Unlike general terms like 补偿 (bǔcháng), which can be more neutral or even positive (e.g., compensating for inconvenience), 赔偿 carries a stronger connotation of liability and accountability, often following rules, contracts, or laws.