回来

• Pinyin: huí lái
• Hanzi breakdown: 回 (to return) + 来 (to come) — coming back towards the speaker

Meaning

To come back; to return (towards the speaker). Indicates returning to where the speaker is.

The directional complement 来 indicates movement towards the speaker. Compare with 回去 (go back, away from speaker). This distinction is important: 你什么时候回来？ (When are you coming back here?) vs. 你什么时候回去？ (When are you going back there?).

Examples

1. 爸爸什么时候回来？ When is Dad coming back?
2. 他昨天从北京回来了。 He came back from Beijing yesterday.
3. 快回来！ Come back quickly!

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, family

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你回来了！(You're back!)
• 妈妈很快就回来。(Mom will be back soon.)

Don't Say

• 我回来到了上海。(Awkward — say 我回到上海了 or 我从上海回来了)

Origin & History

Compound of 回 (to return) and 来 (to come) — to return towards the speaker.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal