Definitions
(verb)
to return; to resume; to restore; to recover
(verb,adverb)
to repeat; again
(adjective)
complex; compound; composite
(verb)
to reply; to answer
Etymology
Pictograph of a foot entering or exiting a building, representing the meaning "to return".
About
The character "复" is a simplified form that originates from two traditional characters, "復" and "複", with the former combining the radical 彳 for movement with the phonetic component "复" to convey meanings of return or repetition, and the latter joining the clothing radical 衣 with the same phonetic to indicate doubling or complexity. The simplified version retains the phonetic element "复", which historically carried connotations of turning back or reiteration. Over time, the meanings associated with both traditional characters merged into "复", extending its usage to cover concepts such as again, to reply, to restore, and to duplicate, thus reflecting an integrated semantic evolution from its etymological roots.
Example Sentences Hide
我经常复习课文。
请重复你的问题。
他的病已经恢复了。
这个问题很复杂。
我需要复印这份文件。
医生建议他下周复诊。
他们决定复婚了。
经过多次反复讨论，我们终于达成了协议。