重返

• Pinyin: chóng fǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 重 = again; 返 = 辶 (movement) + 反 (reverse) = to return

Meaning

To return to; to go back to (a place, position, or state).

Used when someone returns to a significant place or situation after being away. Often implies returning to something meaningful like a homeland, career, or former glory.

Examples

1. 退役五年后他重返赛场。 Five years after retirement, he returned to the playing field.
2. 她终于重返阔别多年的故乡。 She finally returned to her hometown after many years away.
3. 康复之后他重返工作岗位。 After recovering, he returned to his job.

Usage Guide

Context: career, sports, homecoming

Tone: significant

Do Say

• 他希望能重返国家队。(He hopes to return to the national team.)
• 多年后重返母校让她感慨万千。(Returning to her alma mater after many years filled her with emotion.)

Don't Say

• 我重返家里了 (For everyday going home, use 回家; 重返 implies significant return)

Origin & History

Compound of 重 (again) and 返 (to return). Together they emphasize going back again to somewhere significant.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal