The word 返回 is formed by combining two characters with closely related meanings to reinforce a single core concept. The first character, 返 (fǎn), inherently means "to turn back" or "to return". The second character, 回 (huí), independently means "to go back", "to circle back", or "to return". When placed together, they create a compound where both components point toward the same action of reversing direction to go back to an origin, thereby strengthening and specifying the idea of a definitive return journey.