Usage and Meaning
The verb 挽回 (wǎn huí) primarily means to recover or retrieve something lost or to reverse an unfavorable situation. It is often used in contexts involving relationships, reputation, market share, or performance where damage or loss has occurred and efforts are made to restore the original or a better state.
Common Collocations
- 挽回关系 (wǎnhuí guānxì): to restore a relationship, often after a conflict or misunderstanding.
- 挽回损失 (wǎnhuí sǔnshī): to recover losses, commonly used in financial or business contexts.
- 挽回局面 (wǎnhuí júmiàn): to turn around a situation, especially when it is unfavorable.
Nuances and Usage Notes
挽回 implies active effort and a sense of urgency to fix or improve a negative condition. It is more formal and serious than simply "fixing" something and often carries emotional or strategic weight. It is not used for trivial recoveries but rather for significant matters such as relationships, reputation, or business outcomes.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse 挽回 with 回收 (huíshōu), which means to recycle or reclaim physical objects. 挽回 focuses on abstract losses or situations rather than tangible items.
Summary
Use 挽回 when you want to express the idea of making a strong effort to reverse a bad situation or regain something valuable that was lost, especially in social, emotional, or business contexts.