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B1 verb/noun #2,000 most common 7 min read

复习

fuxi Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 复习 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 复习 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '复习' (fùxí) is one of the first academic verbs you will learn. It is used in very simple sentences to describe the act of looking at your notes or textbook again. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember the basic pattern: 'Subject + 复习 + Object.' For example, '我复习汉语' (I review Chinese). You will often hear your teacher say this at the end of a lesson to encourage you to study at home. It is a vital word for building good study habits from day one. You might also see it on buttons in learning apps. Think of it as 'looking again' so you don't forget your new words like '你好' or '谢谢.' It's a friendly word that helps you keep what you've learned.

By A2, you can start adding more detail to your use of '复习.' You might use time expressions, such as '我复习了一个小时' (I reviewed for an hour). You also begin to distinguish between '复习' (reviewing knowledge) and '练习' (practicing a skill). At this level, you should be able to talk about what specifically you are reviewing, like '复习课文' (reviewing the text) or '复习生词' (reviewing new words). You will also encounter the word in the context of preparing for small quizzes. It's important to start using '复习' with the particle '了' to show completed actions, like '我复习完了' (I have finished reviewing). This shows a progression in your ability to describe your daily study routine in more detail.

At the B1 level, '复习' becomes a more strategic word. You are now expected to use it in more complex structures, such as the '把' construction: '我要把这些语法点复习一遍' (I need to review these grammar points once). You also start using '复习' as a noun or part of a compound noun, like '复习计划' (review plan) or '复习资料' (review materials). This level requires you to understand the cultural importance of '复习' in Chinese society, especially in relation to exams like the HSK. You should be able to discuss your review strategies, such as '重点复习' (focusing on key points) or '系统复习' (systematic review). You'll also start to see synonyms like '温习' in reading passages and should understand the slight difference in tone.

At B2, you should be comfortable using '复习' in formal and academic discussions. You can use it to describe complex learning processes, such as '通过复习旧知识来理解新概念' (understanding new concepts by reviewing old knowledge). You will also encounter '复习' in more abstract contexts, such as '复习历史' (reviewing history) not just as a student, but as a society looking back. Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like '回顾' (retrospect) and '复盘' (debrief/review a process), and you should know exactly when to choose '复习' over them. You can also use adverbs of manner more effectively, such as '全面复习' (comprehensive review) or '反复复习' (repeated review), to describe the intensity of the study process.

For C1 learners, '复习' is a word you use with precision and stylistic flair. You might use it in idiomatic expressions or classical references like '温故而知新' (reviewing the old to know the new). You understand the pedagogical theories behind '复习,' such as the '艾宾浩斯遗忘曲线' (Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve), and can discuss them in Chinese. At this level, you can use '复习' to critique educational systems or discuss the psychological aspects of memory. You also recognize '复习' in high-level literature where it might be used metaphorically to describe a character 'reviewing' their life choices. Your mastery allows you to use the word in any register, from a casual chat about a test to a formal academic paper on cognitive science.

At the C2 level, '复习' is a simple tool in a vast linguistic arsenal. You use it with the ease of a native speaker, often opting for more specific or poetic alternatives like '重温' or '检视' when the context allows for more nuance. You can engage in deep cultural analysis of why '复习' is so central to the 'Confucian Heritage Culture' and how it shapes the mindset of learners in East Asia. You might use '复习' in a self-reflective way in creative writing, perhaps describing the 'review' of a long-lost relationship. Your understanding is not just about the word's definition, but its entire semantic field, its history, and its socio-cultural implications in the modern Chinese-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

复习 in 30 Seconds

复习 (fùxí) means 'to review' or 'to go over' material you have already learned to ensure retention.
It is a core part of the Chinese study routine, often paired with 预习 (preview) and 练习 (practice).
Commonly used as a verb for studying for exams, but can also be a noun meaning 'review session' or 'materials.'
Essential for HSK preparation and academic success in Chinese-speaking environments, emphasizing systematic repetition.

The term 复习 (fùxí) is a cornerstone of the Chinese educational and professional landscape. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'to review' or 'to go over learned material.' However, its cultural weight in East Asian 'test-culture' (考试文化) implies a level of rigor and systematic repetition that often exceeds the English word 'review.' It is composed of two characters: 复 (fù), meaning 'to repeat, return, or again,' and 习 (xí), meaning 'to practice, study, or habit.' Together, they describe the iterative process of solidifying knowledge in the mind.

Etymological Breakdown: The character 习 (xí) originally depicted a bird's wings over a nest, symbolizing the repetitive flapping required for a fledgling to learn to fly. This essence of repetition is central to 复习.

温故而知新，可以为师矣。 (Reviewing the old to know the new makes one fit to be a teacher.) — Confucius

In a modern context, 复习 is used by students preparing for the Gaokao, professionals studying for certifications, and language learners like yourself. It is the bridge between short-term exposure and long-term mastery. Without 复习, the 'forgetting curve' (遗忘曲线) takes hold, and information is lost. Therefore, it is not just an activity but a necessary phase of the learning cycle.

Semantic Range: While primarily a verb, it can function as a noun (e.g., 'The review session'). It covers everything from glancing at notes to intensive, multi-week exam preparation.

他在图书馆复习数学公式。

For a B1 learner, understanding that 复习 is a proactive, intentional act is key. It is not passive reading; it is the active reconstruction of knowledge. Whether you are reviewing HSK vocabulary or a business presentation, you are engaging in 复习.

Cultural Nuance: In China, '复习' is often associated with high-pressure environments. The phrase '复习迎考' (reviewing to welcome the exam) is a common slogan in schools.

考试前，一定要好好复习。

Using 复习 (fùxí) correctly involves understanding its role as both a transitive verb (taking an object) and an intransitive verb (standing alone). It is highly versatile and fits into various sentence patterns common in daily life and academic settings.

Verb + Object Pattern: The most common structure is [Subject] + 复习 + [Material]. For example: 我复习课文 (I review the text). Common objects include 功课 (homework/lessons), 笔记 (notes), and 知识点 (knowledge points).

我们需要复习上周学过的内容。

When you want to specify the duration of the review, you place the time duration after the verb: [Subject] + 复习了 + [Duration] + [Object]. For example: 我复习了两个小时的汉语 (I reviewed Chinese for two hours).

As a Noun: 复习 can act as a noun in phrases like '复习计划' (review plan) or '复习资料' (review materials). In these cases, it modifies the following noun to describe its purpose.

你的复习计划安排得很好。

In the '把' (bǎ) construction, which is vital for B1 learners, 复习 is often used to indicate completing a review of a specific set of items: 把这些单词复习一遍 (Review these words once). The use of '一遍' (yī biàn) or '一下' (yī xià) adds a sense of completion or briefness.

Adverbial Modification: You can modify 复习 with adverbs like 认真 (seriously), 仔细 (carefully), or 简单 (simply). This describes the quality of the review process.

请大家认真复习，准备明天的测试。

You will encounter 复习 (fùxí) in almost any environment where learning and evaluation take place. Its presence is ubiquitous in Chinese-speaking societies, reflecting the high value placed on education and preparation.

In the Classroom: Teachers use this word daily. You'll hear: '现在我们复习一下昨天的内容' (Now let's review yesterday's content). It marks the transition from the beginning of class to the core lesson.

老师说，这周的重点是复习语法。

At home, Chinese parents are famous for asking their children: '你复习功课了吗？' (Have you reviewed your lessons?). This question is a staple of household dialogue, often followed by a discussion about upcoming exams.

In Language Apps and Textbooks: Every HSK textbook has a '复习课' (Review Lesson) every few units. In apps like SubLearn, '复习' buttons are the gateway to spaced repetition systems.

点击这里开始复习今天的生词。

In professional settings, while 'review' might be '评审' (píngshěn) for a project, if an employee is taking a professional exam (like a CPA or Bar exam), colleagues will ask: '复习得怎么样了？' (How is the review going?).

Media and Pop Culture: TV dramas about high school life (a popular genre in China) frequently feature scenes of students '熬夜复习' (staying up late to review), depicting the struggle and dedication associated with the word.

为了考上理想的大学，他每天复习到深夜。

Even though 复习 (fùxí) seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with other 'study-related' verbs. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound much more natural.

Confusing 复习 with 练习 (liànxí): 练习 means 'to practice' a skill (like piano, sports, or exercises). 复习 means 'to review' knowledge. You '练习' piano, but you '复习' history dates. If you say '复习钢琴,' it sounds like you are reading about the piano rather than playing it.

错误：我每天复习打篮球。
正确：我每天练习打篮球。

Another common error is using 复习 when you mean 'to study' for the first time. That would be 学习 (xuéxí). 复习 strictly implies that the material has been encountered before. Using it for new material is logically inconsistent in Chinese.

Overusing 'Review' for 'Check': In English, we 'review a document' to find errors. In Chinese, this is usually 检查 (jiǎnchá) or 审阅 (shěnyuè). Using 复习 here would imply you are trying to memorize the document for a test.

错误：请复习一下这份合同。
正确：请检查一下这份合同。

Finally, learners often forget the complement of result. If you finished reviewing, you should say '复习完了' (fùxí wán le). Just saying '我复习' sounds incomplete, like 'I review' rather than 'I have reviewed.'

Confusing with 预习 (yùxí): 预习 is 'previewing' (looking at material before the class). Learners sometimes swap these prefixes (预- before vs 复- again).

上课前要预习，下课后要复习。

Understanding the nuances between 复习 (fùxí) and its synonyms will elevate your Chinese from functional to sophisticated. While they all touch on the concept of 'looking back,' their contexts differ significantly.

温习 (wēnxí) vs. 复习: 温习 is more formal and slightly old-fashioned. It carries a sense of 'warming up' old knowledge to keep it fresh. While 复习 is the standard modern term, 温习 is often found in literature or used by older generations.

他正在书房里温习功课。

Another related word is 重温 (chóngwēn). This is usually used for emotions, memories, or experiences rather than academic facts. You '重温旧梦' (relive an old dream) or '重温友谊' (renew a friendship). Using 复习 here would be too clinical.

回顾 (huígù) vs. 复习: 回顾 means 'to look back' or 'to retrospect.' It is common in business reports (e.g., '回顾过去的一年' - reviewing the past year). It is a high-level summary, whereas 复习 is a detailed study process.

会议的第一项议程是回顾上季度的销售情况。

Then there is 练习 (liànxí), which we discussed in 'Common Mistakes.' Remember: 练习 is for 'doing' (exercises, skills), while 复习 is for 'recalling' (facts, lessons). If you are doing math problems to prepare for a test, you are doing both: 复习知识点 (reviewing points) and 练习题目 (practicing problems).

Summary Table

Word	Context	Focus
复习	Academic/Tests	Memorization/Knowledge
练习	Skills/Sports	Application/Doing
温习	Formal/Literary	Refreshing Knowledge
回顾	Professional/General	Reflection/Summary

我们不仅要复习理论，还要多做练习。

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Writing 3/5

Grammar to Know

把 construction

Duration of time

Resultative complements

Adverbial modifier 地

Frequency complements

Examples by Level

我要复习汉语。

I want to review Chinese.

Basic Subject + Verb + Object structure.

老师，我们要复习吗？

Teacher, do we need to review?

Question form using 吗.

他在家复习功课。

He is reviewing lessons at home.

Using 在 to indicate location.

复习很有用。

Reviewing is very useful.

Verb acting as a subject.

请复习第一课。

Please review Lesson 1.

Imperative sentence with 请.

我不喜欢复习。

I don't like reviewing.

Negative form with 不.

明天有考试，快复习！

There's a test tomorrow, review quickly!

Adverb 快 before the verb.

我们一起复习吧。

Let's review together.

Suggestion using 吧.

我复习了两个小时。

I reviewed for two hours.

Duration after the verb with 了.

你复习完了吗？

Have you finished reviewing?

Resultative complement 完.

这些生词我还没复习。

I haven't reviewed these new words yet.

Topic-comment structure.

复习的时候不要看手机。

Don't look at your phone while reviewing.

Using ...的时候 to indicate time.

他每天晚上都复习。

He reviews every night.

Using 都 to emphasize 'every'.

我想复习一下语法。

I want to review grammar for a bit.

Using 一下 for a brief action.

复习对学习很重要。

Reviewing is very important for learning.

Preposition 对 indicating relationship.

他在图书馆认真地复习。

He is reviewing seriously in the library.

Adverbial modifier with 地.

你应该把这些笔记复习一遍。

You should review these notes once.

把 construction with frequency complement 一遍.

这是我的复习计划。

This is my review plan.

复习 used as an attributive noun.

虽然很累，但他还在坚持复习。

Although he is tired, he is still persisting in reviewing.

Conjunction 虽然...但是.

复习资料已经准备好了。

The review materials are already prepared.

Resultative complement 好了.

我们要重点复习第三章。

We need to focus our review on Chapter 3.

重点 used as an adverbial.

如果不复习，你就会忘记。

If you don't review, you will forget.

Conditional 如果...就.

他复习得非常仔细。

He reviewed very carefully.

Degree complement with 得.

老师给我们布置了复习任务。

The teacher assigned us review tasks.

Double object construction.

通过系统的复习，他的成绩提高了很多。

Through systematic review, his grades improved a lot.

Prepositional phrase with 通过.

复习不仅仅是为了考试，更是为了掌握知识。

Reviewing is not just for exams, but more for mastering knowledge.

Not only... but also (不仅...更是).

他正在为下周的资格考试做最后的复习。

He is doing the final review for next week's qualification exam.

Structure 为...做复习.

复习时要善于总结和归纳。

When reviewing, one should be good at summarizing and inducing.

Using 善于 to describe a skill.

由于没有好好复习，他感到很焦虑。

Because he didn't review well, he feels very anxious.

Causal conjunction 由于.

我们需要针对薄弱环节进行复习。

We need to conduct a review targeting weak points.

Using 针对 to indicate a target.

复习的过程虽然枯燥，但很有必要。

The process of reviewing is boring but necessary.

Noun phrase 复习的过程.

他把所有的课件都复习了一遍又一遍。

He reviewed all the courseware over and over again.

Reduplication of frequency 一遍又一遍.

温故而知新，复习是连接新旧知识的纽带。

Reviewing the old to know the new; review is the link between old and new knowledge.

Metaphorical use in a formal sentence.

他这种废寝忘食的复习精神令人感动。

His spirit of reviewing so hard he forgets to eat and sleep is touching.

Using the idiom 废寝忘食 as a modifier.

复习策略的优劣直接影响到学习效率。

The quality of review strategies directly affects learning efficiency.

Abstract subject with 优劣.

在考前冲刺阶段，复习的强度非常大。

In the pre-exam sprint stage, the intensity of review is very high.

Using 冲刺阶段 as a temporal context.

他通过复习笔记，重新梳理了整个理论体系。

By reviewing his notes, he reorganized the entire theoretical system.

Using 梳理 to describe a mental process.

复习不应是机械的重复，而应是深层的思考。

Reviewing should not be mechanical repetition, but deep thinking.

Contrastive structure 不是...而是.

他复习时的专注度达到了惊人的地步。

His level of focus during review reached an astonishing level.

Using 到了...的地步 for emphasis.

有效的复习能够激活大脑中的长期记忆。

Effective review can activate long-term memory in the brain.

Scientific/Academic tone.

复习不仅是知识的巩固，更是对自我意志的磨砺。

Reviewing is not just the consolidation of knowledge, but also the tempering of one's will.

Philosophical and parallel structure.

他在复习旧作时，发现了很多年轻时的青涩。

When reviewing his old works, he discovered much of his youth's immaturity.

Using 复习 for creative/personal works.

这种地毯式的复习方法虽然耗时，但极为稳妥。

This 'carpet-style' (comprehensive) review method is time-consuming but very reliable.

Metaphorical modifier 地毯式.

复习的本质在于不断地在已知与未知之间架起桥梁。

The essence of review lies in constantly building bridges between the known and the unknown.

Using 在于 to define essence.

他深谙复习之道，总能以最少的时间达到最好的效果。

He is well-versed in the 'way of review' and always achieves the best results with the least time.

Using 深谙...之道 for high-level mastery.

在浩如烟海的资料中复习，需要极强的筛选能力。

Reviewing amidst a vast sea of materials requires a very strong filtering ability.

Idiom 浩如烟海 as a modifier.

复习并非一蹴而就，而是一个循序渐进的过程。

Reviewing is not something achieved overnight, but a step-by-step process.

Using the idiom 一蹴而就 and 循序渐进.

他将复习视作一种与过去自我的深度对话。

He regards reviewing as a deep dialogue with his past self.

Using 视作...为 structure.

Synonyms

温习回顾温故知新练习

Antonyms

预习

Common Collocations

复习功课

复习计划

复习资料

认真复习

重点复习

系统复习

复习大纲

考前复习

反复复习

全面复习

Common Phrases

复习一下

好好复习

复习完了

开始复习

正在复习

复习时间

复习内容

复习方法

复习效果

复习压力

Often Confused With

复习 vs 练习

复习 vs 学习

复习 vs 预习

Idioms & Expressions

"温故知新"

"废寝忘食"

"学而时习"

"手不释卷"

"磨杵成针"

"凿壁偷光"

"悬梁刺股"

"孜孜不倦"

"日积月累"

"熟能生巧"

Easily Confused

复习 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

学习

练习

习惯

演习

实习

How to Use It

vs check

Use 检查 for checking errors, not 复习.

vs study

Use 学习 for new things, 复习 for old things.

vs practice

Use 练习 for skills/doing, 复习 for knowledge/remembering.

Common Mistakes

Using 复习 for skills like sports (use 练习).
Using 复习 for new material (use 学习).
Forgetting the resultative complement '完' when finished.
Using 复习 to mean 'checking for errors' in a document.
Confusing the prefix 复 (again) with 预 (before).

Tips

Make a Plan

Always create a '复习计划' (review plan) to manage your time effectively before HSK exams.

Use Complements

Add '一遍' or '一下' after 复习 to sound more like a native speaker.

Link with 预习

Remember: 预习 (Pre) -> 学习 (Study) -> 复习 (Re). It's a complete cycle.

Confucian Wisdom

Think of '温故知新' to remind yourself why reviewing is so valued in China.

Tone Check

The 4th tone on 'fù' is sharp. Don't confuse it with 'fú' (2nd tone).

Softening

Say '复习一下' when asking a friend to study with you; it sounds less demanding.

Character Tip

The '习' in 复习 is the same as in '学习' and '练习.' Master it once!

SubLearn Tip

Use the SubLearn review feature daily to turn '复习' into a '习惯' (habit).

Forget Less

Review within 24 hours of learning to fight the forgetting curve.

Common Objects

Common objects for 复习 are 功课, 笔记, 课文, and 单词.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

The ultimate '复习' event in a Chinese person's life.

The concept of 'learning and then practicing' is central to the Analects.

Modern Chinese apps integrate '复习' as a core feature based on cognitive science.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你复习得怎么样了？"

"我们明天一起复习汉语吧？"

"你有什么好的复习方法吗？"

"你每天复习多长时间？"

"考试前你通常怎么复习？"

Journal Prompts

写一下你今天的复习计划。

复习对你来说难吗？为什么？

描述一次你努力复习的经历。

你觉得复习和练习有什么区别？

如果你是老师，你会怎么让学生复习？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, anyone can 复习. Professionals review for certifications, and language learners review vocabulary. It is a general term for refreshing knowledge.

It's better to say '练习钢琴.' 复习 implies studying the theory or notes, while 练习 implies the physical act of playing.

复习 is the common modern word. 温习 is more formal, literary, or used by older speakers. They mean the same thing.

If you are giving an opinion, use '评价' or '写影评.' If you are watching it again, use '重看' or '重温.'

Yes, it can mean 'the act of reviewing' or be used as an adjective like 'review' in 'review materials' (复习资料).

Yes, but mostly for exams or training. For reviewing a project or report, '回顾' or '检查' is more common.

You should say '我复习完了' or '我复习好了.'

Usually, yes. It implies an upcoming evaluation or a need to memorize. If you are just reading for fun, it's not 复习.

It means 'review outline' or 'study guide,' usually provided by a teacher before an exam.

No, you can't 'review a person.' You can 'review a person's work' (检查/审阅工作).