返回

• Pinyin: fǎn huí
• Hanzi breakdown: 返 = to return; 回 = to go back/circle

Meaning

To return; to go back. Used for going back to a previous location or state.

More formal than 回去, often used in written contexts, technical settings, or official announcements. Also commonly used in computing for return operations and in navigation.

Examples

1. 宇航员将在两周后返回地球。 The astronauts will return to Earth in two weeks.
2. 点击这个按钮可以返回上一页。 Click this button to return to the previous page.
3. 由于天气原因，航班不得不返回出发地。 Due to weather conditions, the flight had to return to its departure point.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, technology, official

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请点击返回键。(Please click the back button.)
• 他决定返回家乡发展。(He decided to return to his hometown to develop his career.)

Don't Say

• 我返回一下厨房 (For casual short trips within a space, use 回 instead; 返回 sounds too formal for everyday movements)

Origin & History

Compound of 返 (to return) + 回 (to go back), a redundant compound reinforcing the meaning of returning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal