Learn a Chinese Character - 还 (Huán/Hái - (Huán) To return; to give back; to repay; to restore; to go back; to return to a place; to reciprocate; to repay a favor; to restore to original condition; (Hái) Still; yet; in addition; also; even; to have remaining; to still have; to indicate continuation of a state or action)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 辶 (chuò) - Walking radical (also called "go" radical)

Stroke Count: 7 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huán (Second tone) and Hái (Second tone) - This character has two common pronunciations with different meanings

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning (Huán): To return; to give back; to repay; to restore

Basic Meaning (Hái): Still; yet; in addition; also; even

Extended Meanings:

To go back; to return to a place
To reciprocate; to repay a favor
To restore to original condition
To have remaining; to still have
To indicate continuation of a state or action

Additional Notes: "还" is a polyphonic character with two main pronunciations that are used in different contexts. The character combines the radical "辶" (walking) with "不" (not), suggesting the idea of "not staying" or "going back" for the "huán" pronunciation.

4. Common Words

还书 (huán shū) - Return a book

Example: 我明天要去图书馆还书。(Wǒ míng tiān yào qù tú shū guǎn huán shū.) - I need to return books to the library tomorrow.
还钱 (huán qián) - Repay money

Example: 我下周会还钱给你。(Wǒ xià zhōu huì huán qián gěi nǐ.) - I will repay you the money next week.
还有 (hái yǒu) - Also have; still have

Example: 冰箱里还有一些水果。(Bīng xiāng lǐ hái yǒu yī xiē shuǐ guǒ.) - There are still some fruits in the fridge.
还是 (hái shì) - Still; or (used to indicate a choice)

Example: 你想喝茶还是喝咖啡？(Nǐ xiǎng hē chá hái shì hē kā fēi?) - Do you want tea or coffee?
还没 (hái méi) - Not yet

Example: 他还没完成作业。(Tā hái méi wán chéng zuò yè.) - He hasn't finished his homework yet.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech:

As "huán": Verb
As "hái": Adverb

Common Usage:

As "huán": Used when referring to returning objects, repaying debts, or restoring something
As "hái": Used to indicate that a state or action continues, or to add something

Common Structures:

还 + Noun + 给 + Person (Return something to someone)
还 + 没/不 + Verb (Not yet + verb)
还有 + Noun (Also have/Still have something)
还是 + Noun (Still; or)

Usage Notes: The two pronunciations of "还" have distinct meanings and should be used carefully. "Huán" is always a verb, while "hái" is primarily an adverb.

6. Cultural Background

Concept of Reciprocity: In Chinese culture, the concept of "有借有还" (yǒu jiè yǒu huán) - "If you borrow, you must return" - reflects the importance of reciprocity and keeping one's word.

Repayment Culture: The character "还" is often used in contexts related to repaying debts, favors, and kindness, which are highly valued in Chinese society.

Continuity and Persistence: When pronounced as "hái", the character conveys the idea of continuity, which is reflected in Chinese cultural values of perseverance and maintaining relationships.

Politeness: In Chinese, using "还" appropriately can convey politeness, such as when offering additional choices ("你还需要什么？" - "What else do you need?") or acknowledging a continued state.

7. Example Sentence

Example 1 (Huán):

谢谢你借书给我，我会按时还给你。(Xiè xiè nǐ jiè shū gěi wǒ, wǒ huì àn shí huán gěi nǐ.)

Translation: Thank you for lending me the book, I will return it to you on time.

Example 2 (Hái):

今天天气很好，你还想去公园吗？(Jīn tiān tiān qì hěn hǎo, nǐ hái xiǎng qù gōng yuán ma?)

Translation: The weather is nice today, do you still want to go to the park?

Example 3 (Hái):

我还有一些工作要做，所以不能和你一起去。(Wǒ hái yǒu yī xiē gōng zuò yào zuò, suǒ yǐ bù néng hé nǐ yī qǐ qù.)

Translation: I still have some work to do, so I can't go with you.

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Breakdown: The character "还" consists of the radical "辶" (walking) and the component "不" (not). Together they suggest the idea of "not staying" or "going back" for the "huán" pronunciation.

2. Stroke Order: Practice writing the character in the correct stroke order to help with memorization. The stroke order is: horizontal, vertical, horizontal, horizontal, right-falling stroke, left-falling stroke with hook, horizontal.

3. Pronunciation Distinction: Remember that "还" has two pronunciations with different meanings. "Huán" is used when returning something, while "hái" is used to indicate continuation or addition.

4. Word Association: Associate "还" with common words like "还书" (return a book) and "还有" (still have) to reinforce its different meanings and usages.

5. Sentence Practice: Create your own sentences using both pronunciations of "还" to become more comfortable with its usage in different contexts.