收回

• Pinyin: shōu huí
• Hanzi breakdown: 收 = 丩 (to twist) + 攵 (to tap), meaning to gather; 回 = a pictograph of a whirlpool, meaning to return

Meaning

To take back; to withdraw; to retract.

Used for physically taking back an object, withdrawing a statement or decision, or reclaiming something previously given or lent. Can be used in both concrete and abstract senses.

Examples

1. 他决定收回刚才说的话。 He decided to take back what he just said.
2. 图书馆要求大家按时收回借出的书。 The library requires everyone to return borrowed books on time.
3. 公司收回了之前发出的通知。 The company withdrew the notice it had previously issued.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, business

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 请把你的话收回去，这样说很不礼貌。(Please take back what you said — that was very rude.)
• 到期后银行会收回贷款。(The bank will recall the loan after it matures.)

Don't Say

• 我要收回我的朋友。(Don't use 收回 for people — it is used for objects, statements, or rights, not for personal relationships.)

Origin & History

Compound of 收 (to receive, to collect) and 回 (to return), literally 'to collect back.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal