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March 24, 2026
返fǎn(fan3)
The character 返 (fǎn) means 'to return' or 'to revert to' something. It is commonly used in contexts where something is going back to its original state or location, such as returning home or restoring an item. The nuance often implies a movement back in time or space.
Strokes7Radical辶Frequency#12870DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of returning, especially to one's roots or home, is significant, reflecting values of family and tradition. The phrase '返乡' (fǎnxiāng) meaning 'to return home' is often associated with family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person walking back on a path they just took. The character 返 consists of two parts: the left side is '反' (fǎn), which means 'to turn over', and the right side is '返', which visually resembles a person retracing their steps. This imagery helps associate the action of turning back with the pronunciation 'fǎn'.
Meanings of 返
fǎn(fan3)
1to return (to)
2to restore, to return, to revert to
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 返
返Simplified
7Strokes
辶Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#12870Frequency Rank
Podcast: 返
Podcast: 返
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AI Study Notes for 返
Quick Contrast
返回 (fǎnhuí) implies a more formal or complete return, often used in contexts like returning to a previous state or position, while 返 (fǎn) is more general and can imply a simpler return.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person walking back on a path they just took. The character 返 consists of two parts: the left side is '反' (fǎn), which means 'to turn over', and the right side is '返', which visually resembles a person retracing their steps. This imagery helps associate the action of turning back with the pronunciation 'fǎn'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 返 with similar verbs like 回 (huí), which also means 'to return' but is more about returning to a place rather than the act of reverting. 返 is more formal and is often used in written language or formal speech. Be cautious of the fourth tone; mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
返 is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels but is useful for learners at HSK 4 and above. It connects with other verbs of movement and direction, so students should practice using it in sentences that involve returning to places or states, enhancing their vocabulary around travel and movement.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of returning, especially to one's roots or home, is significant, reflecting values of family and tradition. The phrase '返乡' (fǎnxiāng) meaning 'to return home' is often associated with family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 返 with 回 when talking about returning to a place. For example, saying '我返家' (wǒ fǎn jiā) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我回家' (wǒ huí jiā).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 返
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Grammar Patterns of 返
返 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
往____于伦敦的上班族减少了10万。
The number of commuters to London has dropped by 100,
Common Confusions with 返
返vs反
fǎn
Different meanings and usages despite similar sounds.
A courtesy shuttle bus operates between the hotel and the town.
6
往返行程需要3到6个小时。
wǎng fǎn háng chéng xū yào3 36 dào 6 gè。
It would take three to six hours for a round trip.
7
往返学校每天要两个小时的行程。
wǎng fǎn xué xiào měi tiān yào liǎng gè xiǎo shí de háng chéng。
Getting to and from school involves two hours' travelling a day.
8
她准备好踏上返家之程了。
tā zhǔn bèi hǎo tà shàng fǎn jiā zhī chéng le。
She is ready for her homeward journey.
9
迄今已有35万多人返回了家园。
qì jīn yǐ yǒu35 35 wàn duō rén fǎn huí le jiā。
So far more than 350,000 people have returned home.
10
那是一次极其痛苦的返回伦敦的旅行。
nà shì yī cì jí qí tòng kǔ de fǎn huí lún dūn de lǚ háng。
It was an acutely uncomfortable journey back to London.
Cultural Notes for 返
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of returning, especially to one's roots or home, is significant, reflecting values of family and tradition. The phrase '返乡' (fǎnxiāng) meaning 'to return home' is often associated with family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival.
Word Family of 返
Words Containing This Character20
返回fǎnhuíto return to
返fǎnto return (to)
重返chóngfǎnto return to
往返wǎngfǎnround trip
返还fǎnhuánrestitution返還
遣返to send back
返航to return to the point of departure
一去不复返gone forever一去不復返
返乡to return to one's home town返鄉
返程return journey (e.g. home)
折返to turn back
流连忘返to linger流連忘返
返家to return home
复返to come back復返
迷途知返to mend one's ways
返璞归真to return to one's true self返璞歸真
返青to revegetate
回返to return
返老还童to recover one's youthful vigor返老還童
积重难返ingrained habits are hard to overcome (idiom); bad old practices die hard積重難返
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 返回 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 返
Yes, 返 can be used in that context, such as in '返货' (fǎnhuò), meaning 'to return goods'.
While it’s less common, you can use 返 in a broader sense, but 回 (huí) is more appropriate for returning to a person.
