归来

guī lái

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Uncommon

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Definitions

1. to return
2. to come back

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Word relationships

Register variants

1 item

• 回来 huí lai 回来 huí lai to return; to come back 归来 is the formal/literary counterpart of the everyday 回来.: to return; to come back

Related words

1 item

• 返回 fǎn huí 返回 fǎn huí to return to 返回 is used for returning from a journey or trip, often more formal.: to return to

Synonyms

1 item

• 回来 huí lai 回来 huí lai to return; to come back Both mean to come back, but 归来 is more literary or formal.: to return; to come back

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not use 归来 for returning objects; it implies a person or entity returning, often with a sense of homecoming.

Formality

归来 is a formal/literary term; in everyday speech, use 回来 instead.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他离家多年，今日终于 归来 。

After many years away from home, he finally returns today.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 归来

• 来 来 lái: to come
• 归 归 guī: to return