Meaning
归还 means to return something to its rightful owner or original place. It's a formal, proper way to express giving back borrowed items, repaying debts, or restoring something to someone. The word emphasizes the completion of a cycle where something goes back to where it belongs.
Usage
This is a relatively formal term commonly used in written language, official contexts, libraries, and polite speech. In casual conversation, people often use simpler words like 还 (huán) alone. 归还 is the standard term for returning library books, borrowed money, or any item that should go back to its owner.
Examples
- 01请在两周内把书归还给图书馆。.Please return the books to the library within two weeks.
- 02他承诺会尽快归还借的钱。.He promised to return the borrowed money as soon as possible.
Characters
Common collocations
- 归还图书to return books
- 归还原物to return the original item
- 按时归还to return on time
- 归还借款to repay a loan
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to returning. 归 originally depicted returning home, while 还 (huán) means to give back or repay. Together they form a compound that emphasizes the act of restoration.