回去
huíqu
The English phrase "go back" can be translated into Chinese as 回去 (huíqu). Wiktionary also lists 返回 (fǎnhuí).
Meaning: to return to a place (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 回去 | huíqu |
| 返回 | fǎnhuí |
The phrase is used to describe the act of returning to a place.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 回去 consists of 回 (to return) and 去 (to go).
Which one should you use?
回去 is the common, everyday way to say "go back" in spoken Chinese. In contrast, 返回 is a more formal term used in written contexts, such as technical instructions or formal announcements.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the phrase to change its meaning. Adding 了 to the end of 回去 creates 回去了, which indicates that the action of returning has been completed or that a change of state has occurred. Adding 不 in the middle of the phrase creates 回不去, which acts as a potential complement meaning "unable to return".
How do you pronounce it?
huíqu
Did you know?
- In many Chinese dialects and informal speech, the distinction between 'going back' and 'returning' is strictly a matter of the listener's location. If you are speaking to someone at the destination, you would not use 回去 but would instead say 回来 (huí lái).
- While 回去 means 'go back', the related phrase 回想 (huí xiǎng) literally means 'return thinking' and is the standard way to say 'recollect' or 'reminisce'.
- In Chinese, the word 回 is used to describe 'going back' to one's hometown, but it is also used as a classifier for 'times' or 'occasions' when counting how often something happens.
Examples in context
- 我不想回去。I don't wanna go back.This sentence shows how to express the desire not to return using 回去.Tatoeba #9963132 by GlossaMatik, translation #20450 by TRANG
- 回去找湯姆。Go back to Tom.This sentence demonstrates using 回去 to give a direction to return to someone.Tatoeba #13153746 by LeviHighway, translation #12491795 by Ergulis
- 我們還得回去。We'll have to go back.This sentence illustrates using 回去 to express necessity to return.Tatoeba #5819688 by verdastelo9604, translation #1675370 by fanty
- 请返回你的座位。Please return to your seat.
- 他离开了公司，但他会回到这里工作。He left the company, but he will come back here to work.
- 我想回家休息一下。I want to go back home and rest for a while.
- 明天放假，我们一起回家吧！We have a day off tomorrow, let's go back home together!
- 你走了以后，记得回家给我打电话。After you leave, remember to call me when you get back home.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Junjie are finishing a walk in the park.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen天黑了，我们回去吧。Tiān hēi le, wǒmen huíqù ba.It's getting dark, let's go back.
- 俊杰 Junjie好啊，我也想回家了。Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng huí jiā le.Okay, I want to go home too.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你带好你的包了吗？Nǐ dài hǎo nǐ de bāo le ma?Did you grab your bag?
- 俊杰 Junjie带好了，我们走吧。Dài hǎo le, wǒmen zǒu ba.I have it, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go back” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
