归还

歸還

guīhuán

verb HSK 7-9 #8,504

Meanings

1 to return (something); to give back

Characters

to return; to give back

Both characters mean 'to return' — doubling for emphasis. 归还 is more formal than just 还 (huán).

Examples

请按时归还图书。

Qǐng ànshí guīhuán túshū.

Please return the books on time.

被盗的文物终于归还了。

Bèidào de wénwù zhōngyú guīhuán le.

The stolen artifacts were finally returned.

Tips

register

归还 is formal — used for library books, official property, diplomatic contexts. In casual speech, just use 还 (huán): 把书还给我 (give me back the book). 归还 in conversation sounds stiff, like saying 'relinquish' instead of 'give back.'

Stroke Order

归 guī

还 hái