Meanings of 复
By ear
Play it, then pick what 复 means.
About 复
Podcast: 复
Podcast: 复
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 复
复 (fù) vs 返回 (fǎnhuí) — use 复 for returning to a previous state or repeating, while 返回 specifically means to return to a place.
Learners often confuse 复 with similar characters like 返 (fǎn), which also means 'return' but is more specific to physical movement. 复 is more versatile and can be used in various contexts. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing 'fù' can change its meaning.
While 复 is not an HSK level character, it connects with other words related to returning or repeating, such as 回 (huí) for 'to return'. Focus on practicing its use in phrases like 复习 (fùxí), meaning 'to review', to understand its practical applications.
Learners sometimes use 复 incorrectly with the wrong collocations, such as saying 复信 (fùxìn) instead of 回信 (huíxìn) for 'to reply to a letter'. Remember, 复 is broader in meaning and should be applied in the right context.
Pronunciation of 复
Drill the tone of 复 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 复 to You
Let me explain 复 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 复 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 复?
Learning Lab
Knowing 复 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
Etymology of 复
Pictograph of a foot going toward a house, representing the meaning "to return home".
A person 亻 who goes somewhere 夂 every day 日
Origin
What kind of character is 复?
Decomposition of 复
Parts
Which of these is part of 复?
How to say to go and return in Chinese
“to go and return” in Chinese is复
The character 复 (fù) primarily means 'to return' or 'to go back'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is restored to its original state, repeated, or duplicated. This character can also imply recovering from a condition or responding to someone, such as replying to a letter.
When to use 复
Learners often confuse 复 with similar characters like 返 (fǎn), which also means 'return' but is more specific to physical movement. 复 is more versatile and can be used in various contexts. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing 'fù' can change its meaning.
复 or something close to it
复 (fù) vs 返回 (fǎnhuí) — use 复 for returning to a previous state or repeating, while 返回 specifically means to return to a place.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes use 复 incorrectly with the wrong collocations, such as saying 复信 (fùxìn) instead of 回信 (huíxìn) for 'to reply to a letter'. Remember, 复 is broader in meaning and should be applied in the right context.
Write 复
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 复 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 复
复 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 25 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
明天有听写，我该____习生词了。
There is a dictation test tomorrow, I should review vocabulary now.
Common Confusions with 复
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “to go and return”?
Example Sentences for 复 (14)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 复?
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 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 复
In Chinese culture, the concept of returning or resuming can be significant in various contexts, such as festivals where families reunite and return to their hometowns. This is reflected in the use of '复' in phrases related to family and homecoming.
Word Family of 复
Characters with 复
What does 腹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 复
Some common phrases that include 复 (fù) are 复习 (fùxí), meaning 'to review,' and 复苏 (fùsū), meaning 'to revive.' These phrases illustrate how the character is used in practical contexts related to learning and recovery.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 复?
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.