Meaning of 回避
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to shun
- to avoid (sb)
- to skirt
- to evade (an issue)
- to step back
- to withdraw
- to recuse (a judge etc)
- variant of 迴避|回避[hui2 bi4]
How to use 回避
回避 is often used for avoiding a topic, a question, a problem, or a person, and it can sound a bit formal. In legal or official contexts it means to recuse oneself because of a conflict of interest. Example: 他总是回避这个问题。(Tā zǒngshì huíbì zhège wèntí.) He always avoids this question.
Think of 回 (huí) as turning back and 避 (bì) as avoiding, the same 避 in 避免 (bìmiǎn, to avoid). When you see something you do not want to face, you turn back and avoid it, so 回避 means to dodge or step away.
Common mistake: Learners often use 回避 where 避免 (bìmiǎn) fits better. 避免 means preventing something from happening, like 避免错误 (avoid mistakes), while 回避 means dodging something that is already there, like a question or a person.
回避 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
回 huí · to go back · 6 strokes
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避 bì · to avoid · 16 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 回避.
| 回来 | huílái | to return; to come back |
| 回家 | huí jiā | to return home |
| 回去 | huíqù | to return; to go back |
| 回到 | huídào | to return to |
| 回答 | huídá | to reply; to answer; reply; answer |
| 回国 | huí guó | to return to one's home country |
| 避免 | bìmiǎn | to avert; to prevent |
| 收回 | shōuhuí | to regain; to retake |
| 回复 | huífù | to recover; to revert; to return to (good health, normal condition etc); variant of 回覆[hui |
| 回忆 | huíyì | to recall; memories |
| 回头 | huítóu | to turn round; to turn one's head; later; by and by |
| 返回 | fǎnhuí | to return to; to come (or go) back |
Questions about 回避
What does 回避 mean?
回避 (huíbì) means "to shun; to avoid (sb)" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 回避?
回避 is made of 2 characters: 回 (6 strokes), 避 (16 strokes). That is 22 strokes in total.
Is 回避 an HSK word?
Yes. 回避 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 回避 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 回避 is written 迴避.
Is 回避 negative in tone?
Often, yes. Saying someone 回避 a question usually suggests they are evading it on purpose. In legal use, such as a judge recusing themselves, it is neutral.
What is the difference between 回避 and 躲 (duǒ)?
躲 is more casual and physical, like hiding from someone or dodging a ball. 回避 is more formal and is commonly used for issues, topics, responsibilities, or official recusal.