Meanings of 归来
By ear
Play it, then pick what 归来 means.
About 归来
Podcast: 归来
Podcast: 归来
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 归来
回归 (huíguī) vs 归来 (guīlái): use 归来 for a focus on the act of coming back, while 回归 emphasizes returning to a previous state or condition.
Be cautious not to confuse 归来 with similar phrases like 回来 (huílái), which is more informal. 归来 tends to have a more formal or literary tone, often used in written language. Common collocations include 归来的旅客 (returning travelers) or 归来的心情 (the mood of returning).
归来 is not specifically assigned an HSK level but is useful for intermediate learners who are building vocabulary around travel and movement. Students should focus on its components and how it connects to other verbs of movement, such as 去 (qù, to go) and 回 (huí, to return).
Learners often mistakenly use 归来 in informal contexts where 回来 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我归来了' instead of '我回来了' when casually returning home. Always consider the tone of your conversation.
Pronunciation of 归来
Drill the tone of 归来, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 归来 to you
Let me explain 归来 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 归来 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 归来?
Learning Lab
Knowing 归来 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say to return in Chinese
“to return” in Chinese is归来
归来 (guīlái) means 'to return' or 'to come back,' typically referring to someone coming back to a place they previously left. It is often used in contexts such as returning home, coming back from a journey, or revisiting a previous situation. This term conveys a sense of completion and reunion.
When to use 归来
Be cautious not to confuse 归来 with similar phrases like 回来 (huílái), which is more informal. 归来 tends to have a more formal or literary tone, often used in written language. Common collocations include 归来的旅客 (returning travelers) or 归来的心情 (the mood of returning).
归来 or something close to it
回归 (huíguī) vs 归来 (guīlái): use 归来 for a focus on the act of coming back, while 回归 emphasizes returning to a previous state or condition.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 归来 in informal contexts where 回来 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我归来了' instead of '我回来了' when casually returning home. Always consider the tone of your conversation.
Write 归来
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 归来 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 归来?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 归来
归来 is typically used for returning to a place of significance, like home, and is less commonly used for casual returns.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 归来?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.