Core Meanings
The character 回 primarily means "to return" or "to go back." It is often used to describe physically returning to a place, such as 回家 (return home). It can also mean "to turn around" or "to look back," as in 回头 (turn one's head).
Usage as a Measure Word
回 is frequently used as a measure word for occurrences or times something happens. For example, 三回 means "three times." This usage is common in everyday speech to count repeated actions or events.
Common Collocations
- 回家: to return home
- 回头: to turn one's head or look back
- 一回/三回: one time/three times (counting occurrences)
Notes
When using 回 to indicate returning, it often implies a physical movement back to a previous location. When used as a measure word, it counts the number of times an action occurs. Avoid confusing 回 with 返 (fǎn), which also means "to return" but is more formal and less common in daily speech.