Definition
还 (huán) is the basic, everyday verb for returning something you borrowed, like a book or money. 归还 (guīhuán) is much more formal and often used in official or written contexts. 返还 (fǎnhuán) is also formal, often legal, meaning to return something to its owner.
verb
to returnto give back (something borrowed)
Easily confused
- 还háilook-alikestill, yet (indicating continuation or that something hasn't happened)
- 换huànsound-aliketo exchange, to swap
- 怀huáilook-alike(noun) bosom, chest
- 患huànsound-aliketo contract / suffer from (a disease)
- 坏huàilook-alikebad (of people or things)
- 环huánsound-alike(noun) ring, hoop, loop, link (of a chain)
- 缓huǎnsound-aliketo postpone, to delay, to defer
Examples
- 还。Wǒ míngtiān huán nǐ shū.I'll return the book to you tomorrow.
- 还。Tā yǐjīng huán le qián.He has already returned the money.
- 。Qǐng huán gěi wǒ yàoshi.Please give the keys back to me.
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