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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#12870DifficultyVery Hard
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.
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.
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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Knowing 返 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.
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.
When to use 返
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.
返 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 返
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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
