This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #1,500 most common 5 min read

归还

gui huan Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 归还 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 归还 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '归还' (guīhuán) often. You will mostly use the simple word '还' (huán) to say 'return'. For example, '还书' (return a book). However, you might see '归还' on signs in a library or a school. Just remember that '归还' means 'to give back something you borrowed'. It is a polite and formal way to say 'return'. If you see this word, look for the object being returned, like a book or a bag. It's a good word to recognize early so you understand official instructions in a classroom or library.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more formal words for common actions. '归还' (guīhuán) is the formal version of '还'. You should use it when writing a polite note to a teacher or when following rules in a public place. For example, '请归还我的笔' (Please return my pen). You will notice that '归还' is often used with the '把' (bǎ) structure: '把书归还给老师' (Return the book to the teacher). At this level, focus on the fact that '归还' is for objects, not for 'returning to a place' like your home or country.

At the B1 level, '归还' (guīhuán) is a key vocabulary word, especially for exams like the HSK 3 or 4 and TOEFL. You are expected to use it in formal contexts, such as writing an email to a library or reporting a lost item. You should understand the nuance: '归还' implies a sense of responsibility. It is frequently used in 'campus' scenarios. You should also be able to use it with result complements or time phrases, such as '如期归还' (return as scheduled). This level requires you to distinguish '归还' from '返回' (to go back to a place).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '归还' (guīhuán) in professional and academic writing. You will encounter it in legal contexts, such as '归还财产' (restitution of property) or '归还借款' (repayment of a loan). You should also understand its use in more abstract but still physical contexts, like '归还领土' (return of territory). At this stage, you should be able to use the word in complex sentences, such as '如果不能按时归还，必须提前申请延期' (If it cannot be returned on time, an extension must be applied for in advance).

At the C1 level, '归还' (guīhuán) is used in sophisticated discourse regarding ethics, history, and law. You will see it in discussions about the '归还文物' (restitution of cultural relics) movement. You should understand the subtle differences between '归还', '退还', and '补偿'. In C1 level reading, '归还' might appear in metaphorical but formal senses, though it remains primarily tied to the restoration of original ownership. You are expected to use it with high-level collocations like '无条件归还' (unconditional return) or '勒令归还' (ordered to return).

At the C2 level, '归还' (guīhuán) is a tool for precise legal and diplomatic communication. You will analyze its use in international treaties and historical documents. For instance, the '归还' of Hong Kong or Macau involves complex political and legal nuances. You should be able to discuss the philosophical implications of '归还'—the idea of returning to an original state of justice. Your usage should be flawless, reflecting an understanding of the word's formal register and its role in maintaining social and legal order at the highest levels of society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

归还 in 30 Seconds

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?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

把-construction

Result complements (e.g., 归还给)

Passive voice with 被

Examples by Level

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.

Synonyms

还退还送还

Antonyms

借用索取

Common Collocations

按时归还

如数归还

立即归还

归还图书

归还借款

归还失物

归还领土

无条件归还

勒令归还

申请归还

Common Phrases

归还日期

归还地点

逾期未归还

归还手续

归还给原主

归还欠款

归还文物

归还公物

归还钥匙

归还贷款

Often Confused With

归还 vs 返回

归还 vs 还 (hái)

归还 vs 退还

Idioms & Expressions

"完璧归赵 (wán bì guī zhào) - To return something intact to its owner."

"物归原主 (wù guī yuán zhǔ) - To return the property to its original owner."

"借物归还 (jiè wù guī huán) - To return what was borrowed (general principle)."

"有借有还 (yǒu jiè yǒu huán) - If you borrow, you must return (often followed by '再借不难')."

"归还清偿 (guī huán qīng cháng) - To repay and clear a debt."

"如数归还 (rú shù guī huán) - To return the exact amount/number."

"延期归还 (yán qī guī huán) - To delay the return (formal term)."

"强制归还 (qiáng zhì guī huán) - Forced restitution."

"自动归还 (zì dòng guī huán) - Voluntary return."

"妥善归还 (tuǒ shàn guī huán) - To return in good condition."

Easily Confused

归还 vs 返回

To return to a place (e.g., return to the office).

归还 vs 退还

To return something because it is unwanted or as a refund.

归还 vs 偿还

To repay a debt or a favor, often financial.

归还 vs 还原

To restore something to its original state (chemical or digital).

归还 vs 还 (hái)

Adverb meaning 'still' or 'also'.

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

回归

归纳

还原

还是

还手

How to Use It

vs huan

Huan is for daily life; Guihuan is for official business.

vs fan hui

Fanhui is for returning to a location; Guihuan is for returning an object.

Common Mistakes

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.

Tips

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.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Gui' (ghost) who is 'Huan' (honest) and returns the things it took.

Word Origin

Cultural Context

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.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"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？"

Journal Prompts

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？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

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.