Learn a Chinese Character - 回 (Huí - Return; go back; revolve; circle; answer; reply; round; circular; times; occasions; turn around; rotate)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 口 (kǒu) - Mouth radical

Stroke Count: 6 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huí (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning

Return; go back; revolve; circle

Extended Meanings

• Answer; reply
• Round; circular
• Times; occasions
• Turn around; rotate

Additional Notes

The character "回" is one of the most frequently used Chinese characters. Its square shape represents the concept of something returning to its origin or going around in a circle.

4. Common Words

• 回来 (huílái) - Come back; return

  Example: 他明天回来。 (He will come back tomorrow.)

• 回去 (huíqù) - Go back

  Example: 我现在要回去了。 (I need to go back now.)

• 回答 (huídá) - Answer; reply

  Example: 请回答我的问题。 (Please answer my question.)

• 回忆 (huíyì) - Recall; remember

  Example: 我经常回忆童年的时光。 (I often recall my childhood days.)

• 回合 (huíhé) - Round; bout; phase

  Example: 比赛进入了最后一个回合。 (The game has entered the final round.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech

Can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective

Common Usage

• Most commonly used as a verb meaning "to return" or "to go back"
• Can be combined with other characters to form verbs related to returning or responding
• Used as a noun to refer to a round or cycle

Common Structures

• 回 + 来/去: 回来 (come back), 回去 (go back)
• 回 + 到 + 地点: 回到家 (return home), 回到学校 (return to school)
• 回 + 答/复: 回答 (answer), 回复 (reply)

Usage Notes

When used alone as a verb, "回" is often followed by a complement to specify the direction or destination.

6. Cultural Background

Symbolism of Return and Completeness

In Chinese philosophy and culture, "回" (return) holds profound significance. It is often associated with the concept of cyclicality and the idea that all things eventually return to their origin, a concept reflected in the yin-yang philosophy.

Cultural Expressions

The character "回" appears in many Chinese idioms and proverbs. For example, "回头是岸" (huítóu shì àn) means "turn back and there is shore," suggesting that one can always reform and make a fresh start.

Calligraphy and Art

The square, symmetrical shape of "回" makes it a favorite among calligraphers. It is often used as a practice character for beginners learning the art of Chinese calligraphy due to its balanced structure.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

• Component Analysis:

  回 is composed of an outer square and an inner square, representing the concept of returning or going around.

• Sound Association:

  The pronunciation "huí" sounds like "whey" in English, but think of a wheel turning around, which relates to the meaning of "revolve" or "circle."

• Image Association:

  Picture someone walking away and then coming back, which directly connects to the meaning of "return" or "go back."

• Word Association:

  Connect "回" with related words: 回来 (come back), 回去 (go back), 回答 (answer), 回忆 (recall), 回合 (round).

• Sentence Mnemonic:

  Remember the simple sentence: "我回家了" (I went home). This will help you associate the character with its core meaning of "returning."