還 (hái) - Still, yet, also & to return, to go back

還Tone 2

hái ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

還 · hái

Still, yet, also;

to return, to go back;

to repay;

to give back;

in addition, furthermore.

Still, yet, alsoto return, to go backto repay

Usage highlights

Still notStill haveReturn moneyReturn homeRepay debtReturn book

Synonyms

  • 仍— still, yet
  • 归— to return, to go back
  • 返— to return, to come back

Antonyms

  • 借— to borrow (antonym of to return)
  • 已— already (antonym of still/yet)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I still haven't finished my homework (我还没做完作业).
  • He will return home tomorrow (他明天还家).
  • Please return the book to the library (请把书还给图书馆).
  • It's still raining outside (外面还在下雨).

Collocations

  • Still not(还不)
  • Still have(还有)
  • Return money(还钱)
  • Return home(还家)
  • Repay debt(还债)
  • Return book(还书)

Idioms

  • Return the jade intact to Zhao(完璧归赵)
  • Return favor with kindness(以德报怨)
  • Return to one's original simplicity(返璞归真)
  • Pay back a debt of gratitude(报恩还情)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the concept of 'returning' or 'repaying' is deeply connected to moral values like reciprocity and filial piety.
  • The character appears in many classical texts emphasizing the importance of fulfilling obligations and returning favors.
  • Used in both literal (returning objects) and metaphorical (returning to origins) contexts throughout Chinese literature.

FAQ