回

• Pinyin: huí
• Hanzi breakdown: 回 = pictograph of a spiral or whirlpool — going around and returning to the start

Meaning

To return; to go back. Indicates returning to a place or origin.

A versatile verb for going back: 回家 (go home), 回来 (come back), 回去 (go back), 回国 (return to one's country). Also used as a measure word for occurrences: 这是第一回 (this is the first time). As a verb, it always implies returning to a starting point.

Examples

1. 我六点回家。 I go home at six o'clock.
2. 他下个月回国。 He's going back to his country next month.
3. 这是我第一回来中国。 This is my first time coming to China.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, travel

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我要回家了。(I'm going home now.)
• 你什么时候回来？(When are you coming back?)

Don't Say

• 我回了学校去。(Awkward phrasing — say 我回学校了 or 我回到学校了)

Origin & History

A pictograph showing a whirlpool or spiral — things going around and coming back to the starting point, hence 'to return'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal