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A2 verb 9 min read

回邮件

hui youjian
Examples 回邮件 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 回邮件 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic meaning of '回邮件' (huí yóujiàn). Think of it as two parts: '回' (to return/reply) and '邮件' (email). You can use it in very simple sentences to describe your daily activities. For example, '我回邮件' (I reply to emails). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar. Just remember that '邮件' is the word for email, and '回' is the action you take when you receive one. You might use it when talking about your job or your school day. It is one of the essential 'office' verbs you will learn early on. Imagine you are in a classroom and the teacher asks what you are doing. You can point to your computer and say '回邮件'. This simple phrase helps you communicate basic needs and actions in a digital world. You should also learn the word '发邮件' (fā yóujiàn), which means 'to send an email,' so you can distinguish between starting a conversation and replying to one.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use '回邮件' with more specific details, such as time and people. You should learn the structure '给 [someone] 回邮件' (reply to someone's email). This is a very important pattern. For instance, '我给妈妈回邮件' (I reply to my mom's email). You can also start adding time words like '现在' (now), '明天' (tomorrow), or '昨天' (yesterday). A2 learners should be able to say things like '我昨天没回邮件' (I didn't reply to the email yesterday). You will also encounter the measure word for emails, which is '封' (fēng). So, instead of just saying '回邮件', you can say '回这封邮件' (reply to this email). This level is about making your sentences more complete and natural. You'll use '回邮件' in simple workplace dialogues or when making plans with friends. It's also a good time to learn '回信' (huíxìn) as a synonym for replying to mail or messages.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '回邮件' in more complex sentence structures, including those involving duration and resultative complements. For example, '我回了两个小时邮件' (I replied to emails for two hours). You should also understand the difference between '回邮件' and the more formal '回复邮件' (huífù yóujiàn). B1 learners often need to use '回邮件' in the context of explaining why they were busy or why they haven't done something yet: '因为我一直在回邮件，所以没时间吃饭' (Because I've been replying to emails all the time, I didn't have time to eat). You should also be able to use it in passive or '把' (bǎ) constructions, although '把' is less common with '回邮件'. Instead, focus on using it with '记得' (remember) or '忘记' (forget). '我忘了回他的邮件' (I forgot to reply to his email). This level requires you to integrate the phrase into your broader narrative of daily life and work.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use '回邮件' with professional nuances. You will understand that in a Chinese corporate environment, '回邮件' carries expectations of speed and etiquette. You might discuss '回邮件的礼仪' (email etiquette). You should be able to use the phrase in complex conditional sentences: '如果你还没回邮件，请务必在下班前处理好' (If you haven't replied to the email yet, please make sure to handle it before leaving work). B2 learners should also distinguish between '回邮件' and '回复' as a noun. You might say '我在等他的回复' (I'm waiting for his reply). You will also encounter '回邮件' in more abstract contexts, such as discussing digital burnout or the constant need to stay connected. Your vocabulary should now include related terms like '抄送' (chāosòng - CC) and '附件' (fùjiàn - attachment), which often accompany the act of '回邮件'.
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At the C1 level, you use '回邮件' fluently and can discuss the subtleties of digital communication. You might analyze how '回邮件' is being replaced by instant messaging in certain industries but remains the 'gold standard' for legal and formal matters. You should be able to use the phrase in high-level business negotiations or academic discussions. For example, '回邮件不仅仅是信息的传递，更是职业素养的体现' (Replying to emails is not just the transmission of information, but also a reflection of professional quality). You will also be familiar with very formal alternatives like '回函' (huíhán) or '复文' (fùwén) in specific bureaucratic or legal contexts. C1 learners can use '回邮件' as a springboard to discuss broader topics like '异步通讯' (asynchronous communication) versus '同步通讯' (synchronous communication). You should be able to handle complex situations, such as explaining a delay in replying using sophisticated language.
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At the C2 level, '回邮件' is a phrase you use with native-like precision and cultural depth. You understand the 'unspoken rules' of when to '回邮件' versus when to pick up the phone or send a WeChat message. You can use the phrase in literary or highly rhetorical contexts, perhaps discussing the evolution of communication from '家书抵万金' (a letter from home is worth ten thousand pieces of gold) to the modern '回邮件'. You are capable of drafting complex, nuanced replies that balance politeness, authority, and clarity. You might even critique the linguistic style of others' '回邮件', noting whether their tone is appropriate for the hierarchy of the relationship. At this level, the phrase is just one small tool in a vast arsenal of communication strategies. You can switch between '回邮件', '回复', '回函', and '答复' effortlessly to suit any possible social or professional scenario.
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Examples

回邮件 in 30 Seconds

  • 回邮件 (huí yóujiàn) means to reply to an email in Chinese.
  • It is a verb-object phrase used daily in professional and school environments.
  • The character '回' means return/reply, and '邮件' means email.
  • Commonly used with '给' to specify who you are replying to (给 someone 回邮件).
The phrase 回邮件 (huí yóujiàn) is a standard Chinese verb-object construction used to describe the act of replying to an electronic mail message. In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, this phrase is essential for anyone operating in a professional or academic environment in China. The first character, 回 (huí), literally means to return, to go back, or to reply. It is the same '回' found in '回家' (go home) or '回答' (to answer). The second part, 邮件 (yóujiàn), is a shortened form of '电子邮件' (diànzǐ yóujiàn), which means 'electronic mail.' Together, they form a functional unit that is used daily by millions of office workers, students, and friends.
Literal Meaning
To return mail; specifically, to send a response to an email you have received.

我正在回邮件，请等我五分钟。 (I am currently replying to emails, please wait for me for five minutes.)

This phrase is most commonly used in the workplace. In Chinese corporate culture, the speed of '回邮件' can often be seen as a reflection of one's work ethic and efficiency. While instant messaging apps like WeChat (微信) have taken over much of the informal and even some formal communication in China, '回邮件' remains the standard for official documentation, contract negotiations, and international business.
Cultural Context
In China, replying to an email isn't just a technical task; it's a social interaction. Using the correct 'honorifics' in your reply is crucial.

你应该给老师回邮件。 (You should reply to the teacher's email.)

When you are '回邮件', you are often balancing the brevity of modern communication with the traditional politeness of Chinese letter-writing. Even in a short '回邮件', it is common to start with a polite greeting like '您好' (nín hǎo).
Usage Frequency
Extremely high in professional settings. You will hear this in every office in Beijing, Shanghai, and beyond.

他太忙了，还没时间回邮件。 (He is too busy; he hasn't had time to reply to the email yet.)

Understanding '回邮件' is a gateway to understanding Chinese work life. It bridges the gap between the old '回信' (replying to a paper letter) and the new digital era. Whether you are a student replying to a professor or a manager replying to a client, mastering this phrase and its associated etiquette is vital for successful communication in China. It is not just about the words, but about the action of maintaining a connection and showing respect through timely responses.
Using 回邮件 (huí yóujiàn) correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure as a verb-object (VO) compound. The most basic way to use it is as a standalone action. For example, '我在回邮件' (I am replying to emails). However, to specify *who* you are replying to, the structure becomes slightly more complex. You cannot simply say '我回邮件你'. Instead, you must use the '给' (gěi) structure: '给 [Person] 回邮件'.
Structure 1: Basic Action
Subject + (Time/Adverb) + 回邮件. Example: 我明天回邮件。 (I will reply to the email tomorrow.)

他每天早上第一件事就是回邮件。 (The first thing he does every morning is reply to emails.)

Structure 2: To Someone
Subject + 给 + Someone + 回邮件. Example: 我要给老板回邮件。 (I need to reply to the boss's email.)
Another common way to specify the recipient is by treating the email as the object belonging to the person: '回 [Someone] 的邮件'. For instance, '我得回他的邮件' (I must reply to his email). This is very common in spoken Chinese.

你回那个客户的邮件了吗？ (Did you reply to that client's email?)

Negative Forms
Use '没' for past actions (haven't replied) and '不' for habits or future intentions (won't reply). Example: 我没回邮件。 (I didn't reply to the email.)

如果不重要，我就不回邮件了。 (If it's not important, I won't reply to the email.)

In imperative sentences (commands or requests), '回邮件' is often paired with '记得' (remember) or '请' (please). '请尽快回邮件' (Please reply to the email as soon as possible) is a standard phrase in business correspondence. You can also add '一下' (yīxià) to soften the tone: '请回一下邮件' (Please reply to the email for a bit/quickly). This makes the request sound more polite and less demanding.

别忘了给面试官回邮件表示感谢。 (Don't forget to reply to the interviewer's email to express thanks.)

By mastering these patterns, you can navigate almost any situation involving email communication. Remember to focus on the '给...回' structure as it is the most natural way to express replying to a specific person.
You will encounter 回邮件 (huí yóujiàn) in a variety of real-life settings, primarily those involving professional, academic, or semi-formal communication. Imagine a bustling office in the CBD of Shanghai. You’ll hear colleagues shouting across desks, '你给王经理回邮件了吗？' (Have you replied to Manager Wang's email?). In this context, '回邮件' is the heartbeat of office operations.
The Modern Office
This is the most common place. It’s used when discussing tasks, deadlines, and communication flows. '回邮件' is often a task on a to-do list.

开完会后，我得花两个小时回邮件。 (After the meeting, I have to spend two hours replying to emails.)

In university settings, students frequently use this phrase when talking about their interactions with professors or the admissions office. '教授还没给我回邮件' (The professor hasn't replied to my email yet) is a common complaint among students waiting for feedback on a thesis or an exam grade.
Customer Service
When you contact a company for support, they might tell you: '我们会尽快回您的邮件' (We will reply to your email as soon as possible).

客服说他们会在24小时内回邮件。 (Customer service said they would reply to the email within 24 hours.)

You might also hear it in casual conversations between friends, though less frequently than '回微信' (reply to WeChat). For example, if a friend sends you a long itinerary for a trip via email, you might say, '我晚上回家再回你邮件' (I'll reply to your email when I get home tonight).
Remote Work
For digital nomads and remote workers, '回邮件' is a core part of the 'working' state. '我在回邮件' often means 'I am busy working'.

虽然在度假，但我每天还要回邮件。 (Even though I'm on vacation, I still have to reply to emails every day.)

Finally, in the context of job hunting, '回邮件' is a high-stakes activity. '收到面试通知后要马上回邮件' (After receiving an interview notice, you must reply to the email immediately). In all these scenarios, '回邮件' represents a bridge of communication that keeps professional and personal projects moving forward.
Even though 回邮件 (huí yóujiàn) seems straightforward, English speakers often make several common errors due to direct translation or misunderstanding the 'Verb-Object' structure. The most frequent mistake is the placement of the recipient. In English, we say 'reply to you,' so learners often say '回邮件你' or '回你邮件'. While '回你邮件' is actually acceptable in casual speech, the most grammatically robust way is '给你回邮件'.
Mistake 1: Incorrect Recipient Placement
Incorrect: 我回邮件他。 Correct: 我给他回邮件。 (I reply to his email.)

错误：我要回邮件你。 正确：我要给你回邮件。

Mistake 2: Confusing '回' with '发' or '收'
'回' (huí) means to reply. '发' (fā) means to send. '收' (shōu) means to receive. Beginners often use '发' when they mean they are replying to a specific thread.

如果你收到邮件，你应该回邮件，而不仅仅是发邮件。 (If you receive an email, you should reply, not just send one.)

Mistake 3: Overusing '回邮件' in Informal Settings
While not grammatically wrong, saying '回邮件' when referring to a WeChat message is a category error. Use '回微信' for IMs.

在微信上，我们说“回消息”，不说“回邮件”。 (On WeChat, we say 'reply to message,' not 'reply to email'.)

Another nuance is the difference between '回' and '回复'. '回邮件' is slightly more colloquial. Using '回复' (huífù) is better for very formal business emails or when you want to sound more professional. However, using '回复' as a noun (e.g., '你的回复') is common, whereas '回' is rarely used as a noun in this context.
Mistake 4: Missing the Measure Word
If you are replying to one specific email, it is more natural to say '回那封邮件' (reply to that [measure word] email) than just '回那个邮件'.

我还没回那封邮件。 (I haven't replied to that email yet.)

Avoid these pitfalls by remembering the '给...回' pattern and using the correct measure word '封' (fēng) for emails.
In Chinese, there are several ways to express the idea of 'replying' depending on the medium and the level of formality. Understanding these alternatives for 回邮件 (huí yóujiàn) will help you sound more like a native speaker.
回复 (huífù)
This is the more formal version of '回'. It can be used as a verb ('回复邮件') or a noun ('期待您的回复' - looking forward to your reply). Use this in business settings.

请在周五前回复。 (Please reply before Friday.)

回信 (huíxìn)
Literally 'reply to a letter'. While it originally referred to paper mail, it is still frequently used to mean 'reply to an email' in a slightly more traditional or personal sense.

谢谢你的回信。 (Thank you for your reply [letter/email].)

回电 (huídiàn)
To return a phone call. Similar structure to '回邮件', but for telephone communication.

他正在开会，等会儿给你回电。 (He is in a meeting; he'll call you back later.)

答复 (dáfù)
A formal response or answer, often used when a decision or official statement is being provided. It's more heavyweight than '回邮件'.

我们在等待政府的正式答复。 (We are waiting for the government's official response.)

By choosing the right word, you show your level of Chinese proficiency. '回邮件' is your 'all-purpose' tool, but '回复' will make you sound professional in an office, and '回信' adds a touch of personal warmth. Always consider the medium: if it's an app, use '回消息'; if it's an email, '回邮件' is perfect.
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Examples by Level

1

我回邮件。

I reply to emails.

Basic Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

他在回邮件。

He is replying to an email.

Using '在' to indicate an ongoing action.

3

你会回邮件吗？

Can you reply to emails?

Using '会' for ability or future possibility.

4

我不回邮件。

I don't reply to emails.

Negative form using '不'.

5

这是我的邮件，请回。

This is my email, please reply.

Using '请' for a polite request.

6

老师回邮件了。

The teacher replied to the email.

Using '了' to indicate completion.

7

我要回邮件。

I want to reply to the email.

Using '要' for desire or necessity.

8

你回邮件了吗？

Did you reply to the email?

Question form using '吗'.

1

我给老师回邮件。

I reply to the teacher's email.

The '给...回' structure for recipients.

2

请尽快回邮件。

Please reply to the email as soon as possible.

'尽快' means 'as soon as possible'.

3

我明天给你回邮件。

I will reply to your email tomorrow.

Time word '明天' placed before the verb.

4

他还没回我的邮件。

He hasn't replied to my email yet.

'还没' means 'not yet'.

5

你回那封邮件了吗？

Did you reply to that email?

'封' is the measure word for emails.

6

我得回一封重要的邮件。

I must reply to an important email.

'得' (děi) means 'must'.

7

她正在给客户回邮件。

She is currently replying to a client's email.

'正在' emphasizes the action is happening right now.

8

别忘了回邮件。

Don't forget to reply to the email.

'别忘了' means 'don't forget'.

1

我回了半小时邮件才去吃饭。

I replied to emails for half an hour before going to eat.

Duration '半小时' placed after '回'.

2

虽然很累，但我还是得回邮件。

Although I'm tired, I still have to reply to emails.

Using '虽然...但是' for contrast.

3

如果你有时间，请帮我回一下邮件。

If you have time, please help me reply to the email.

Using '一下' to soften the request.

4

他因为没回邮件而丢了工作。

He lost his job because he didn't reply to emails.

Using '因为...而' to show cause and effect.

5

我打算今天下午把所有邮件都回了。

I plan to reply to all the emails this afternoon.

A variation of the '把' construction with '回'.

6

回邮件的时候，要注意礼貌。

When replying to emails, pay attention to politeness.

Using '...的时候' for 'when'.

7

他回邮件的速度非常快。

The speed at which he replies to emails is very fast.

Noun phrase '回邮件的速度'.

8

我不知道该怎么回这封邮件。

I don't know how I should reply to this email.

'该怎么' means 'how should'.

1

及时回邮件是职业素养的表现。

Replying to emails promptly is a sign of professionalism.

Using the phrase as a subject in a formal statement.

2

他经常在深夜回邮件，真是个工作狂。

He often replies to emails late at night; he's such a workaholic.

Using '经常' for frequency and '深夜' for time.

3

为了避免误会，我决定再回一封邮件解释清楚。

To avoid misunderstanding, I decided to reply with another email to explain clearly.

Using '为了' to express purpose.

4

即使在假期，他也坚持每天回邮件。

Even on holiday, he insists on replying to emails every day.

Using '即使...也' for 'even if'.

5

由于网络问题，我无法回邮件。

Due to network issues, I am unable to reply to emails.

Using formal '由于' and '无法'.

6

回邮件前，请先确认附件是否正确。

Before replying to the email, please first confirm if the attachment is correct.

'...前' means 'before'.

7

他并没有直接回答我的问题，只是回了封邮件说在处理。

He didn't directly answer my question, just replied to an email saying it's being handled.

Contrasting '回答' (answer) and '回邮件' (reply).

8

我习惯于在回邮件时抄送给我的助手。

I am used to CC'ing my assistant when replying to emails.

Using '习惯于' (be used to).

1

在处理危机公关时，回邮件的措辞必须极其谨慎。

When handling a PR crisis, the wording of the email reply must be extremely cautious.

Formal vocabulary like '措辞' (wording) and '极其' (extremely).

2

他通过回邮件的方式，委婉地拒绝了对方的请求。

By way of replying to an email, he tactfully rejected the other party's request.

Using '通过...的方式' to describe a method.

3

回邮件的滞后可能会导致商业机会的流失。

A delay in replying to emails may lead to the loss of business opportunities.

Using abstract nouns like '滞后' (lag/delay) and '流失' (loss).

4

尽管收到大量垃圾邮件，他依然坚持认真回每一封重要的邮件。

Despite receiving a large amount of spam, he still insists on carefully replying to every important email.

Using '尽管...依然' for concession.

5

这种自动回邮件的系统虽然高效，但缺乏人情味。

This automated email reply system is efficient but lacks a human touch.

Using '缺乏人情味' (lack human touch).

6

他在回邮件中引用了之前的合同条款以支持自己的观点。

In his email reply, he cited previous contract terms to support his point of view.

Using '引用' (cite) and '条款' (terms).

7

这种非正式的回邮件风格在严肃的商务场合并不适用。

This informal style of email reply is not applicable in serious business settings.

Using '不适用' (not applicable).

8

回邮件的质量往往能反映出一个企业的管理水平。

The quality of email replies often reflects the management level of an enterprise.

Using '反映' (reflect) and '管理水平' (management level).

1

在数字外交领域，回邮件的速度与质量往往关乎国家形象。

In the field of digital diplomacy, the speed and quality of email replies are often related to the national image.

High-level concepts like '数字外交' (digital diplomacy).

2

他那篇长达数千字的回邮件，堪称一份详尽的学术论文。

His email reply, thousands of words long, can be called a detailed academic paper.

Using '堪称' (can be called/rated as).

3

回邮件这一行为在现代社会已演变成一种社交契约。

The act of replying to emails has evolved into a social contract in modern society.

Using '演变成' (evolve into) and '社交契约' (social contract).

4

面对对方的无理要求，他回邮件时字里行间透着一股冷峻。

Faced with the other party's unreasonable demands, his email reply revealed a sternness between the lines.

Using '字里行间' (between the lines) and '冷峻' (stern/cold).

5

他习惯于在深夜静谧之时回邮件，以此作为一天的复盘。

He is accustomed to replying to emails in the silence of the night, using it as a review of the day.

Using '静谧' (quiet/tranquil) and '复盘' (review/recap).

6

这封回邮件的措辞之精妙，令人叹为观止。

The subtlety of the wording in this email reply is breathtaking.

Using '叹为观止' (breathtaking/spectacular).

7

在信息爆炸的时代，如何高效回邮件已成为一项必备的生存技能。

In the era of information explosion, how to efficiently reply to emails has become an essential survival skill.

Using '信息爆炸' (information explosion).

8

他通过一系列缜密的回邮件，最终化解了这场潜在的商业危机。

Through a series of meticulous email replies, he eventually resolved this potential business crisis.

Using '缜密' (meticulous) and '化解' (resolve).

Common Collocations

马上回邮件
还没回邮件
给老板回邮件
回一封邮件
忙着回邮件
忘记回邮件
及时回邮件
替我回邮件
用手机回邮件
批量回邮件

Common Phrases

回个邮件

— To reply to an email (casual). The '个' softens the tone.

我先回个邮件。

回邮件礼仪

— Email reply etiquette.

我们要遵守回邮件礼仪。

自动回邮件

— Auto-reply email.

我设置了自动回邮件。

回邮件的速度

— The speed of replying to emails.

他的回邮件速度惊人。

必须回邮件

— Must reply to the email.

这封邮件必须回。

还没来得及回邮件

— Haven't had time to reply to the email yet.

我还没来得及回邮件，对不起。

回邮件确认

— Reply to the email to confirm.

请回邮件确认收到。

回邮件告知

— Reply to the email to inform.

请回邮件告知您的决定。

专门回邮件

— Specifically to reply to emails.

我下午专门回邮件。

回一封长邮件

— Reply with a long email.

他给我回了一封长邮件。

Idioms & Expressions

"石沉大海"

— Like a stone sinking into the sea (no response). Used when an email gets no reply.

我发的邮件石沉大海。

Literary
"礼尚往来"

— Courtesy demands reciprocity. Used to mean one should reply to messages received.

礼尚往来，我也得回个邮件。

Formal
"言简意赅"

— Concise and comprehensive. A good way to write an email reply.

回邮件要言简意赅。

Formal
"见字如面"

— Seeing the words is like seeing the person. An old-fashioned way to start a reply.

回邮件开头写：见字如面。

Literary
"及时行乐"

— Enjoy life while you can. (Humorously used: 'Don't spend all day replying to emails, enjoy life!').

别总回邮件，要及时行乐。

Informal
"一字千金"

— One word is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Used to describe a very valuable reply.

他的回邮件真是一字千金。

Literary
"不可或缺"

— Indispensable. Replying to emails is an indispensable part of work.

回邮件是不可或缺的。

Formal
"事半功倍"

— Half the work, double the result. Efficiently replying to emails.

学会回邮件能事半功倍。

Formal
"心领神会"

— To understand without being told. (When a reply isn't needed).

我们心领神会，不用回邮件。

Literary
"字斟句酌"

— To weigh every word. Used for very careful email replies.

他在回邮件时字斟句酌。

Formal
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