回信

• Pinyin: huí xìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 回 = to reply/return; 信 = letter/message

Meaning

Reply letter; to write back. A letter written in response to someone.

Can be used as a noun (a reply letter) or a verb (to reply by letter). In modern usage, sometimes extended to include email replies. More formal than just saying 回复.

Examples

1. 我已经给他寄了回信，应该这两天就能收到。 I have already sent him a reply; he should receive it in the next couple of days.
2. 她等了一个月才收到大学的回信。 She waited a month before receiving a reply from the university.
3. 请尽快回信，让我知道你的决定。 Please write back as soon as possible so I know your decision.

Usage Guide

Context: correspondence, official, traditional

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 您的回信我已经收到了。(I have received your reply.)
• 请给我回信。(Please write me back.)

Don't Say

• 我回信了他的微信 (回信 is specifically for letters — for WeChat messages, use 回复 or 回了)

Origin & History

Compound of 回 (to reply) + 信 (letter), meaning a letter in reply.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal