收复

shōufù

to recover (lost territory etc)

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 收复 (shōufù) means to regain or recover territory, land, or rights that were previously lost or taken away. It is often used in historical, military, or political contexts where a region or area is reclaimed from an occupying force or adversary.

Common Contexts

This word frequently appears in discussions about wars, conflicts, or political struggles where the focus is on restoring control over lost lands. It implies a successful effort to take back what was once owned or controlled.

Collocations and Patterns

These collocations emphasize the act of regaining control and are often used in formal or historical narratives.

Usage Notes

When using 收复, the emphasis is on the restoration of possession or control, often after a period of loss. It is more formal and specific than general verbs like "" (take back) or "恢复" (restore). Avoid using it for abstract concepts; it is primarily for tangible land or rights.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 收复 with (shōuhuí), which can mean to take back or withdraw but does not necessarily imply regaining lost territory. 收复 specifically involves reclaiming something lost, especially land or territory.

Example Sentences

政府成功收复了被敌军占领的地区。

Zhèngfǔ chénggōng shōufù le bèi díjūn zhànlǐng de dìqū.

The government successfully reclaimed the area occupied by the enemy forces.

这场战争的目的是收复失去的领土。

Zhè chǎng zhànzhēng de mùdì shì shōufù shīqù de lǐngtǔ.

The purpose of this war is to recover the lost territory.

经过多年的努力,他们终于收复了家乡的土地。

Jīngguò duōnián de nǔlì, tāmen zhōngyú shōufù le jiāxiāng de tǔdì.

After years of effort, they finally reclaimed their hometown's land.