Meaning
回 is a fundamental verb meaning to return or go back to a place, or to reply to someone. As a measure word, it counts occurrences or times of events. It's one of the most common characters in daily Chinese and appears in many compound words related to returning, answering, or recurring actions.
Usage
Native speakers use 回 constantly in everyday conversation. It combines with direction words like 回家 (go home), 回来 (come back), 回去 (go back). When used as a measure word, it appears in patterns like 一回 (one time) or 这回 (this time). It's neutral in register and appropriate for all contexts.
Examples
- 01我明天回家。.I'm going home tomorrow.
- 02这回我一定要成功。.This time I must succeed.
Measure words
- 回去过三回
Common collocations
- 回家to go home
- 回国to return to one's country
- 回信to reply to a letter
- 回头见see you later
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form shows an enclosed square representing something circling back or returning to its origin. The character visually suggests the concept of returning or turning around.