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March 24, 2026
退tuì(tui4)
The character 退 (tuì) primarily means 'to retreat' or 'to withdraw.' It is commonly used in contexts such as stepping back physically, declining an offer or invitation, or moving away from a situation. The nuance often implies an action taken to avoid confrontation or to create distance.
Strokes9Radical辶Frequency#1686DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of retreating or stepping back can reflect a strategy of maintaining harmony and avoiding direct confrontation, which is often valued in social interactions. This contrasts with more aggressive approaches sometimes seen in Western cultures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier stepping back from battle, holding a '退' sign to show he's retreating. The character has a 'foot' (足) radical at the bottom, representing movement, and the top part suggests a 'return' (回). Together, they form a picture of moving back and withdrawing.
Meanings of 退
tuì(tui4)
1to retreat
2to decline
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 退
退Simplified
9Strokes
辶Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1686Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 退
Podcast: 退
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AI Study Notes for 退
Quick Contrast
退 (tuì) vs 回 (huí): use 退 when emphasizing withdrawal or retreating from a situation, while 回 focuses on returning to a previous position or location.
Usage Notes
When using 退, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs like 离开 (líkāi, to leave) which implies a more permanent departure. This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 退货 (tuìhuò, to return goods) and 退步 (tuìbù, to regress).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 退 connects with other verbs related to movement and change, such as 进 (jìn, to enter) and 回 (huí, to return). Learners should focus on its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts to understand its versatility.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 退 with other similar verbs like 返回 (fǎnhuí, to return) or 离开 (líkāi, to leave). A common mistake is saying '我退了' (Wǒ tuìle) when they mean 'I left,' which should instead be '我离开了' (Wǒ líkāile).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 退
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退 = 辶 + 艮. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 退
IDS Structure⿺辶艮
退Full Character
=
辶chuo4
enclosing
艮gen3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 退?
How to say to retreat in Chinese
“to retreat” in Chinese is退tuì
The character 退 (tuì) primarily means 'to retreat' or 'to withdraw.' It is commonly used in contexts such as stepping back physically, declining an offer or invitation, or moving away from a situation. The nuance often implies an action taken to avoid confrontation or to create distance.
When to use 退
When using 退, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs like 离开 (líkāi, to leave) which implies a more permanent departure. This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 退货 (tuìhuò, to return goods) and 退步 (tuìbù, to regress).
退 or something close to it
退 (tuì) vs 回 (huí): use 退 when emphasizing withdrawal or retreating from a situation, while 回 focuses on returning to a previous position or location.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 退 with other similar verbs like 返回 (fǎnhuí, to return) or 离开 (líkāi, to leave). A common mistake is saying '我退了' (Wǒ tuìle) when they mean 'I left,' which should instead be '我离开了' (Wǒ líkāile).
Write 退
退
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Grammar Patterns of 退
退 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 5 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.
Of the 10 starters, four were eliminated or retired.
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Cultural Notes for 退
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western contexts, 'retreating' might imply cowardice, while in Chinese culture, it can be seen as a wise choice to preserve relationships and avoid conflict.
Word Family of 退
Compounds5
腿tui3leg
褪tui4to strip, to undress; to fade, to fall off
煺tui4to pluck poultry; to skin meat
螁
蹆
Words Containing This Character20
退tuìto retreat
退出tuìchūto withdraw
退休tuìxiūto retire
后退hòutuìto recoil後退
撤退chètuìto retreat
退役tuìyìto demobilize
退缩tuìsuōto cower退縮
退回tuìhuíto send back
衰退shuāituìto decline
退学tuìxuéto quit school退學
退还to send back退還
倒退to fall back
退伍to be discharged from military service
退化atrophy
退货to return merchandise退貨
退税tax rebate or refund退稅
减退to ebb減退
消退to wane
退路a way out
退休金tuìxiūjīnpension
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 退
What does 腿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 退
退 (tuì) often implies moving back or withdrawing, while 回 (huí) means to return or come back. For example, 退 can be used in the context of stepping back from a situation, whereas 回 is more about returning to a previous location.
Yes, 退 can be used in business contexts, such as declining an offer (拒绝) or returning a product. It is common to hear phrases like '退换政策' (tuìhuàn zhèngcè), meaning 'return and exchange policy.'
退 (tuì) means to retreat, decline, or move back. It can be used in various contexts such as withdrawing from a situation or declining an offer.
You can use 退 in sentences such as '我想退货' (Wǒ xiǎng tuì huò), which means 'I want to return the goods.' It can also be used in a phrase like '请退后' (Qǐng tuì hòu), meaning 'Please step back.'
退 can mean to retreat, decline, or withdraw, depending on the context, such as retreating in a conflict or declining an invitation.
You can say 我想退货 (Wǒ xiǎng tuìhuò), meaning 'I want to return the goods.'
Yes, 退 can be used in both formal and informal situations, but ensure the context is appropriate.
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