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.
HSK 7, rank #7023, Hard
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March 24, 2026
归来()guīlái(gui1lai2)
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.
Frequency#7023DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of returning home is deeply significant, often associated with family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival (春节). The phrase 归来 can evoke feelings of nostalgia and belonging.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a suitcase (归) filled with memories of their past travels, and as they return (来), they are greeted by family at the door. The character 归 resembles a home (the roof) with a person inside it, while 来 suggests movement towards the speaker, reinforcing the idea of returning home.
About 归来
归来Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 归来
Podcast: 归来
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AI Study Notes for 归来
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a suitcase (归) filled with memories of their past travels, and as they return (来), they are greeted by family at the door. The character 归 resembles a home (the roof) with a person inside it, while 来 suggests movement towards the speaker, reinforcing the idea of returning home.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of returning home is deeply significant, often associated with family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival (春节). The phrase 归来 can evoke feelings of nostalgia and belonging.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 归来
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Cultural Notes for 归来
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of returning home is deeply significant, often associated with family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival (春节). The phrase 归来 can evoke feelings of nostalgia and belonging.
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.
Yes, 归来 has a more formal tone and is suitable for literary or written contexts.
归来 has a more formal nuance, often implying a significant or emotional return, while 回来 is more casual.
