反复

• Pinyin: fǎn fù
• Hanzi breakdown: 反 = 厂 (cliff) + 又 (hand), meaning to turn over; 复 = simplified from 復/複, meaning to return or repeat

Meaning

Repeatedly; over and over. Describes an action done again and again, or a situation that keeps changing back and forth.

As an adverb, emphasizes doing something multiple times, often with persistence or thoroughness. As a noun, refers to reversals or fluctuations. Carries a slightly more formal tone than 重复, and often implies deliberate repetition for a purpose.

Examples

1. 他反复练习这首歌，终于唱好了。 He practised this song repeatedly and finally sang it well.
2. 老师反复强调这个语法很重要。 The teacher repeatedly emphasised that this grammar point is important.
3. 这件事他反复考虑了很久才决定。 He thought this matter over and over for a long time before deciding.

Usage Guide

Context: study, work, decision-making

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 你要反复检查才不会出错。(You need to check repeatedly to avoid mistakes.)
• 他反复修改了这篇文章。(He revised this article over and over.)

Don't Say

• 请你反复来一次。(Don't use 反复 to mean 'one more time' — it implies many repetitions. Use 再 for doing something once more)

Origin & History

反 (reverse, turn over) + 复 (return, repeat). Together they suggest turning back and forth — doing something again and again.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal