回报

• Pinyin: huí bào
• Hanzi breakdown: 回 = to return; 报 = to repay/report

Meaning

To repay; to reward; return (on investment). Giving back in response to kindness or investment.

As a verb, means to repay someone's kindness or investment. As a noun, refers to returns, rewards, or payback. Common in both emotional contexts (gratitude) and business contexts (ROI).

Examples

1. 他想用优异的成绩来回报父母的辛苦付出。 He wants to repay his parents' hard work with excellent grades.
2. 这项投资的回报率相当可观。 The return rate on this investment is quite considerable.
3. 社会给了我这么多，我也想有所回报。 Society has given me so much; I also want to give something back.

Usage Guide

Context: gratitude, business, investment, relationships

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 我一定会好好回报你的。(I will definitely repay you.)
• 投资回报怎么样？(How are the investment returns?)

Don't Say

• 我回报你一个苹果 (回报 implies reciprocating kindness/investment over time, not simple exchange — use 给 or 送 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 回 (to return) + 报 (to repay, report), meaning to give back in return.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal