回
return, circle
At a glance · 回
Evolution of the glyph
Five stages, from a sketch of the real object to regular script — tap a stage, drag the timeline, or play the animation.
Object sketchBefore writing · drawing what was seenOracle boneShang dynasty · c. 1300–1046 BCESeal scriptQin dynasty · 221–206 BCEClerical scriptHan dynasty · 206 BCE–220 CERegular scriptWei–Jin to Tang · c. 3rd–9th century CE
⚠ Some ancient forms are not attested：oracle bone form、seal script form。No excavated oracle bone / seal artifact is attested for this character yet; we leave it blank rather than fabricate.
甲骨文、金文象水流回旋之形，象形（或说象回廊）。隶楷作「回」。
What the sketch shows
Origins & notes
「回」本指旋转、环绕，引申为返回、答复。
Structure
象形字，象回旋往复之形。
At a glance
Pinyinhuí
Radical囗
Strokes6
UnicodeU+56DE
Character type象形
Theme动作
Six languages, one character
Each page offers hreflang versions; switching language keeps the glyphs and meanings aligned.
English
return, circle
To return, turn back; a circle, to revolve.
Français
retour, cercle
Retourner, revenir; un cercle, tourner.
Español
volver, círculo
Volver, regresar; un círculo, girar.
العربية
يعود، يدور
يعود أو يدور في حلقة.
Русский
возвращаться, круг
Возвращаться, поворачивать; круг, вращаться.
Common words
- 回来huí láireturn
- 回复huí fùreply