归还
归还 30秒で
- Formal verb for 'to return'.
- Used for borrowed items or money.
- Common in library and office settings.
- Implies restoring original ownership.
The Chinese verb 归还 (guīhuán) is a formal and precise term used to describe the act of returning something to its rightful owner, its original place, or the person from whom it was borrowed. Unlike the simpler word '还' (hái), which is common in daily conversation, 归还 carries a weight of formality and officiality, making it the standard choice in libraries, business contracts, and academic settings.
- Core Concept
- Restoration of possession. It implies a completed cycle: borrowing or taking, followed by the responsible act of returning.
借出的图书必须按时归还。 (Borrowed books must be returned on time.)
In a broader sense, 归还 can also refer to the restitution of territory, cultural relics, or even the repayment of significant debts. It is composed of two characters: '归' (guī), meaning to return or go back, and '还' (huán), meaning to give back or repay. Together, they emphasize the 'back to original' aspect of the action. This word is frequently encountered in HSK 4 and 5 materials, as well as TOEFL Listening sections involving campus life, where students are reminded to return equipment or books to the administration office.
- Semantic Nuance
- It is almost exclusively used for physical objects or abstract rights (like land), rather than returning feelings or abstract favors.
他把捡到的钱包归还给了失主。 (He returned the found wallet to its owner.)
Using 归还 correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. It usually follows the 'Subject + 归还 + Object' or 'Subject + 把 + Object + 归还 + (给) + Recipient' structure. Because it is a formal word, it is often paired with adverbs like '按时' (on time), '如数' (in full), or '立即' (immediately).
- Common Structure 1
- 把 + [Item] + 归还给 + [Owner]. This is the most common way to specify who is receiving the item.
请把借用的相机归还给器材室。 (Please return the borrowed camera to the equipment room.)
In academic or legal writing, you might see it used without '给' if the context of the recipient is clear, or in passive constructions with '被'. For example, '失物已被归还' (The lost item has been returned). It is important to note that 归还 is rarely used for 'returning to a place' (like going home); for that, you would use '回到' or '归'.
- Common Structure 2
- [Item] + 归还 + 原主. This means returning the item to the original owner.
这些文物最终归还了原属国。 (These cultural relics were finally returned to their country of origin.)
You will most frequently encounter 归还 in environments that involve borrowing systems or legal obligations. In a university setting, the library's automated voice or signage will use this word. In a bank, when discussing the repayment of a loan (though '偿还' is also common), 归还 might be used in the contract text.
- Scenario: The Library
- '请在借阅期满前归还图书。' (Please return the books before the loan period expires.)
逾期未归还将产生罚金。 (Failure to return on time will result in a fine.)
News reports often use 归还 when discussing international relations or social justice, such as returning stolen property or historical artifacts. In daily life, if you find a lost item and take it to the police station, the officer might record it as '归还失主' (returning to the owner). It is a word that signals respect for property rights and social order.
The most common mistake learners make is using 归还 in casual conversation where '还' (hái) would be more natural. For example, saying '我要归还你那五块钱' to a close friend sounds overly stiff and robotic. Another mistake is confusing it with '返回' (fǎnhuí), which means to return to a location (like returning to base or a starting point).
- Mistake: Confusing with '返回'
- Incorrect: 我归还了北京。 Correct: 我回到了北京。
Additionally, some learners forget that 归还 usually implies returning the *same* item that was borrowed. If you are replacing a broken item with a new one, '赔偿' (péicháng - compensate) or '换' (huàn - exchange) might be more appropriate. In the context of money, while '归还' is okay for a specific borrowed bill, '偿还' (chánghuán) is the specific term for paying back debt or interest.
错误用法:他把打破的杯子归还了。 (This sounds like he returned the broken pieces, which is usually not the intended meaning of 'returning' a borrowed item.)
Understanding the synonyms of 归还 helps in choosing the right register for your communication. The most common related words are 还 (hái), 退还 (tuìhuán), and 偿还 (chánghuán).
- 还 (hái)
- The colloquial version. Used for everything from books to money in daily life. '还书', '还钱'.
- 退还 (tuìhuán)
- Specifically used for returning something that was rejected, or returning a deposit/payment. '退还押金' (return the deposit).
- 偿还 (chánghuán)
- Used for debts, loans, or 'repaying' kindness. It implies a financial or moral obligation. '偿还贷款' (repay a loan).
While 归还 is neutral-formal, 退还 often implies a transaction that didn't go through or a refund. 偿还 is much more heavy-duty and is rarely used for small physical objects like a pen or a stapler.
How Formal Is It?
難易度
知っておくべき文法
把-construction
Result complements (e.g., 归还给)
Passive voice with 被
レベル別の例文
请归还这本书。
Please return this book.
Simple SVO structure.
他归还了我的笔。
He returned my pen.
Use of '了' for completed action.
我要归还东西。
I want to return things.
Using '要' for intention.
什么时候归还?
When to return?
Question word '什么时候'.
归还给老师。
Return to the teacher.
Directional '给'.
请按时归还。
Please return on time.
Adverbial '按时'.
还没归还。
Not returned yet.
Negative '还没'.
谢谢你归还它。
Thank you for returning it.
Polite expression.
借出的器材必须在周五前归还。
Borrowed equipment must be returned before Friday.
Passive context with '必须'.
他把捡到的手机归还给了失主。
He returned the found phone to the owner.
Classic '把' structure.
如果你不能按时归还,请打电话。
If you can't return it on time, please call.
Conditional '如果...请'.
图书馆要求读者如期归还图书。
The library requires readers to return books as scheduled.
Formal verb '要求'.
这些钱我会尽快归还给你的。
I will return this money to you as soon as possible.
Adverbial '尽快'.
他忘记归还借来的雨伞了。
He forgot to return the borrowed umbrella.
Verb '忘记' + action.
请将此卡归还至服务台。
Please return this card to the service desk.
Formal '将' (similar to '把').
归还时请检查物品是否损坏。
Please check if the item is damaged when returning.
Temporal '时' (when).
该国政府强烈要求归还流失海外的文物。
The government strongly demands the return of cultural relics lost overseas.
High-level political discourse.
归还领土主权是两国关系正常化的前提。
The return of territorial sovereignty is a prerequisite for the normalization of relations.
Abstract noun '主权'.
法律规定,非法所得必须全部归还。
The law stipulates that all illegal gains must be returned in full.
Legal terminology '非法所得'.
他以归还欠款的方式表达了他的诚意。
He expressed his sincerity by repaying the debt.
Prepositional phrase '以...的方式'.
这些珍贵的文献最终得以归还其原属机构。
These precious documents were eventually returned to their original institution.
Auxiliary '得以' (to be able to/manage to).
归还不仅是物质的交接,更是信誉的修复。
Returning is not just a physical handover, but a restoration of credit.
Philosophical '不仅是...更是'.
由于证据不足,警方勒令其归还扣押的财物。
Due to insufficient evidence, the police ordered the return of the seized property.
Formal command '勒令'.
历史遗留问题的解决往往涉及到资产的归还。
The resolution of historical issues often involves the restitution of assets.
Complex subject phrase.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
To return to a place (e.g., return to the office).
To return something because it is unwanted or as a refund.
To repay a debt or a favor, often financial.
To restore something to its original state (chemical or digital).
Adverb meaning 'still' or 'also'.
文型パターン
語族
関連
使い方
Huan is for daily life; Guihuan is for official business.
Fanhui is for returning to a location; Guihuan is for returning an object.
- Using '归还' for 'returning to a place'.
- Saying '归还书' in very casual speech.
- Using '归还' for returning a favor.
- Confusing the pinyin 'huán' with 'hái'.
- Omitting the object.
ヒント
Use in Emails
When emailing a professor about a borrowed book, use '归还' to show respect.
TOEFL Listening
If you hear 'return' in a library context, expect '归还' in the transcript.
Formal Pairs
Pair '归还' with '按时' (on time) for professional-sounding sentences.
把 Structure
Master the '把 + Object + 归还' pattern; it is the most natural way to use this word.
Social Credit
Remember that returning things is a key part of building 'trust' (信用) in China.
Legal Writing
In contracts, '归还' is the standard term for the return of leased property.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it with friends for small things like a piece of gum; it sounds sarcastic or weird.
Visual Association
Visualize the 'return' slot at a library with the word '归还' written above it.
Tone Check
Ensure you hear the second tone on 'huán' to distinguish it from 'hái'.
News Context
Look for '归还' in headlines about international artifacts or territory.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Imagine a 'Gui' (ghost) who is 'Huan' (honest) and returns the things it took.
語源
文化的な背景
Chinese law strictly distinguishes between 'returning the original' (归还原物) and 'compensating for loss' (赔偿损失).
When returning an item, it is polite to include a small word of thanks or a small gift if the item was borrowed for a long time.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"你什么时候能归还我的相机?"
"这些书需要今天归还吗?"
"我应该把钥匙归还给谁?"
"你归还了那笔借款了吗?"
"如果逾期归还,会有罚金吗?"
日記のテーマ
写一次你忘记归还某件重要物品的经历。
讨论为什么按时归还借来的东西很重要。
如果你在街上捡到钱包,你会如何归还给失主?
よくある質問
10 問No, '归还' is only for objects or rights. For returning home, use '回家' or '回到家'.
In daily speech, '还' is much more common. '归还' is mostly used in writing or formal situations.
Usually, yes, if you are specifying the person. '归还给老师'. If the recipient is obvious, '给' can be omitted.
Yes, but '偿还' is more specific for debts, and '还钱' is more common in speech.
The most direct opposite is '借' (to borrow) or '索取' (to demand/take).
Yes, it is a common word in HSK 4 and HSK 5 levels.
Use '归还图书'.
It can be used for rights or territory, but not for feelings or love.
No, it is a single unit. You cannot say '归了还'.
It means to return the exact amount or number of items borrowed, without anything missing.
自分をテスト 200 問
Write: 'Return the book.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Please return my pen.'
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Write: 'He returned the phone to the owner.'
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Write: 'Borrowed items must be returned on time.'
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Write: 'The museum returned the cultural relics.'
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Write: 'The restitution of assets is a complex issue.'
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Write: 'When will you return the money?'
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Write: 'Please complete the return procedure.'
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Write: 'I want to return this.'
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Write: 'Don't forget to return the key.'
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Write: 'He returned the stolen goods.'
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Write: 'The treaty requires the return of territory.'
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Write: 'Return to teacher.'
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Write: 'Return as scheduled.'
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Write: 'Unconditional return.'
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Write: 'Return in full.'
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Write: 'Return tomorrow.'
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Write: 'Return immediately.'
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Write: 'Return location.'
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Write: 'Return deadline.'
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Say: 'Return the book.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Please return my pen.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'I will return it tomorrow.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Please return the equipment on time.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'The relics should be returned to their original country.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Restitution is a matter of justice.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Where is the return desk?'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'I've already returned the key.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Give it back to me.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Don't forget to return it.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'He returned it in full.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'The assets were returned.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Return.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Return to him.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Return deadline.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Return procedure.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Return now.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Must return.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Already returned.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Unconditional return.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Listen: '请把借书证归还给图书馆。' What should be returned?
Listen: '由于他没能按时归还,所以要交罚金。' Why the fine?
Listen: '这些文物将于下月归还。' When?
Listen: '请归还我的书。' What item?
Listen: '归还日期是明天。' When is the deadline?
Listen: '他把钱包归还给了警察。' To whom?
Listen: '资产归还协议已生效。' What is effective?
Listen: '归还。' What word?
Listen: '按时归还。' How?
Listen: '如数归还。' How much?
Listen: '勒令归还。' What tone?
Listen: '还没归还。' Is it done?
Listen: '立即归还。' When?
Listen: '归还地点。' What is mentioned?
Listen: '归还手续。' What is mentioned?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '归还' (guīhuán) instead of '还' (huán) in formal writing or official situations to sound more professional when returning borrowed property. Example: '请按时归还图书' (Please return books on time).
- Formal verb for 'to return'.
- Used for borrowed items or money.
- Common in library and office settings.
- Implies restoring original ownership.
Use in Emails
When emailing a professor about a borrowed book, use '归还' to show respect.
TOEFL Listening
If you hear 'return' in a library context, expect '归还' in the transcript.
Formal Pairs
Pair '归还' with '按时' (on time) for professional-sounding sentences.
把 Structure
Master the '把 + Object + 归还' pattern; it is the most natural way to use this word.
例文
请在周五之前把借来的书归还给图书馆。
関連コンテンツ
educationの関連語
能力
B1何かをするために必要な力や技能(能力)。
缺勤
B1本来いるべき仕事や学校を欠席している状態のこと。
摘要
B1記事、スピーチ、または学術論文の主要なポイントの簡潔な要約。
学术界
B1学界、アカデミア。高等教育や研究に従事する学生や学者のコミュニティ。
教学楼
A2教学楼は、授業が行われる校舎のことです。
学年
A2新しい学年が始まりました。 (A new academic year has begun.)
学术
B1教育や学問に関連する、または学術的な仕事。彼は多くの学術論文を発表しました。
积累
B1経験を積み重ねることは大切です。
习得
B1言語習得は自然なプロセスです。
录取
B1学校や職場などに正式に合格・採用すること。