What is the difference between 廻 and 回?

廻 is a variant form of 回. They are largely interchangeable, but 廻 is considered more literary or archaic and is less common in modern usage.

Is 廻 used in modern Chinese?

It is primarily found in classical literature, Buddhist texts, and some proper names (e.g., place names). In everyday writing, 回 is the standard form.

What kind of feeling does 廻 convey in a name?

It can suggest cyclicality, return, contemplation, or a winding, profound path. It lends a classical, slightly philosophical tone.

廻Tone 2

huí ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 廴

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廻 · huí

to revolve;

to circle;

to go around;

to return;

an alternative form of 回.

to revolveto circleto go around

Usage highlights

to circle aroundto turn aroundto patrolto wanderto go back and forthcyclic change

Synonyms

回— to return; to revolve
绕— to wind; to go around
环— to circle; ring

Antonyms

直— straight; direct
进— to advance; to move forward

Usage & contexts

Examples

The path winds around the mountain (山路廻绕).
He circled back to the starting point (他廻到了起点).
The river makes a bend here (河流在此廻转).

Collocations

to circle around(廻绕)
to turn around(廻转)
to patrol(廻巡)
to wander(廻游)
to go back and forth(廻旋)
cyclic change(廻环)

Idioms

A sudden turn of events(峰廻路转)
To wander aimlessly(廻游不定)
A winding path(廻廊曲径)

Cultural background

FAQ

廻 is a variant form of 回, sharing its core meanings of revolving and returning.
It appears in classical texts and place names, often conveying a sense of cyclical movement or a long, winding path.
In Buddhist context, it can relate to cycles of rebirth or spiritual circumambulation.

廻 (huí) - to revolve & to circle