Definitions

fǎn (verb) to return; to go back

Etymology

To walk  backwards  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "返", representing the concept of returning, is formed by the radical "辶" denoting movement and the component "反" implying reversal or opposition, structurally conveying the idea of moving backward to an origin. Its etymology consistently points to a core meaning of turning back or going back to a starting point, a sense that has remained central throughout its history. While the character's fundamental significance has been stable, its usage has extended over time to encompass metaphorical returns, such as reverting to a prior state or restoring something to its former condition, without substantial change to its graphical composition or essential meaning derived from its constituent parts.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我明天回学校。

Wǒ míngtiān fǎnhuí xuéxiào.

I will return to school tomorrow.

他往于北京和上海。

Tā wǎngfǎn yú Běijīng hé Shànghǎi.

He travels between Beijing and Shanghai.

我的程机票已经订好了。

Wǒ de fǎnchéng jīpiào yǐjīng dìnghǎo le.

My return flight ticket has been booked.

这个产品需要工。

Zhège chǎnpǐn xūyào fǎngōng.

This product needs rework.

还我的书籍。

Qǐng fǎnhuán wǒ de shūjí.

Please return my books.

公司聘他作为顾问。

Gōngsī fǎnpìn tā zuòwéi gùwèn.

The company rehired him as a consultant.

经过修改,方案得以工。

Jīngguò xiūgǎi, fāng'àn déyǐ fǎngōng.

After revision, the plan can be reworked.

在多次往后,他们达成了协议。

Zài duō cì wǎngfǎn hòu, tāmen dáchéng le xiéyì.

After multiple round trips, they reached an agreement.