Meaning of 收回
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to regain
- to retake
- to take back
- to withdraw
- to revoke
How to use 收回
收回 is used for taking back physical things like money, land, or loans, and also for withdrawing words, opinions, or decisions. Example: 我收回刚才的话。(Wǒ shōuhuí gāngcái de huà.) I take back what I just said.
收 (shōu) means to gather or take in, and 回 (huí) means to go back. Picture yourself gathering something and bringing it back to where it came from, so 收回 is to take back.
Common mistake: Learners often mix up 收回 (take back) with 收到 (shōudào, to receive). 收到 is about getting something sent to you, while 收回 is about reclaiming something that was yours or that you gave out.
收回 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.
收 shōu · to receive · 6 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
回 huí · to go back · 6 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Related words
Words that share a character with 收回.
| 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 |
| 收到 | shōudào | to receive |
| 收入 | shōurù | to take in; income |
| 回国 | huí guó | to return to one's home country |
| 收音机 | shōuyīnjī | radio |
| 收看 | shōukàn | to watch (a TV program) |
| 收费 | shōufèi | to charge a fee |
| 收听 | shōutīng | to listen to (a radio broadcast) |
Questions about 收回
What does 收回 mean?
收回 (shōuhuí) means "to regain; to retake".
How do you write 收回?
收回 is made of 2 characters: 收 (6 strokes), 回 (6 strokes). That is 12 strokes in total.
Is 收回 an HSK word?
Yes. 收回 is on the HSK 4 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 收回 and 拿回来?
拿回来 (ná huílái) is casual and physical, like bringing your phone back from a friend. 收回 sounds more formal and is often used for money, property, power, or statements, such as 收回成本 (recover costs).
Can 收回 mean to cancel an order or decision?
Yes. It can mean to revoke or withdraw, as in 收回命令 (shōuhuí mìnglìng, revoke an order) or 收回决定 (withdraw a decision). In this sense it is common in news and formal writing.