归

• Pinyin: guī
• Hanzi breakdown: 归 = simplified from 歸; left side 彐 represents seeking, right side 帚 (broom) — returning home to sweep the house

Meaning

To return; to go back; to belong to. Indicates going back to a place of origin or assigning ownership or responsibility.

Used in many compound words: 归还 (return something), 归来 (come back), 回归 (return/revert), 归属 (belong to). Can express both physical return and abstract concepts of belonging or attribution. Also used in 归纳 (to summarise/induce) in academic contexts.

Examples

1. 他在国外留学五年后终于归来了。 After studying abroad for five years, he finally returned.
2. 这件事应该归谁负责？ Who should be responsible for this matter?
3. 鸟儿到了秋天就会归南方去。 When autumn comes, the birds return south.

Usage Guide

Context: formal writing, everyday, literature

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这本书应该归还给图书馆。(This book should be returned to the library.)
• 最终的决定权归你。(The final decision belongs to you.)

Don't Say

• 我明天归家 (This sounds literary — in everyday speech, use 回家 instead of 归家)

Origin & History

Originally written with the character showing a woman returning to her husband's family after marriage, later generalised to mean any kind of return.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal