恢复
To restore/recover
Literally: 复 (fù) means 'again' or 'return', and 恢复 (huī fù) literally means 'to return to the original state'.
Use `恢复` whenever something goes from 'broken' or 'down' back to its 'normal' or 'healthy' self.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe returning to a normal or healthy state.
- Works for health, technology, relationships, and general situations.
- Implies a positive 'bounce back' after a period of disruption.
Meaning
Think of this as the 'reset' button for life. It describes things going back to their original, healthy, or normal state after a disruption.
Key Examples
3 of 6Recovering from a cold
我的身体已经恢复了。
My body has already recovered.
The internet is back on
网络终于恢复了！
The internet has finally been restored!
In a business meeting
我们需要恢复市场信心。
We need to restore market confidence.
Cultural Background
The character '复' (fù) has roots in the concept of returning or repeating, often associated with the cycles of nature. In modern China, this phrase became culturally significant during the 'Reform and Opening-up' period as the country sought to 'restore' its economic vitality. It reflects a deep-seated cultural value that stability and health are the natural 'default' states of the world.
The 'Power Up' Secret
If you want to sound like a native speaker at the gym, say `恢复体力` (huīfù tǐlì). It makes you sound like a martial arts hero catching their breath.
Don't just 'Return'
Avoid using `恢复` for physical movement. You don't `恢复` to your house; you `回` (huí) to your house.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe returning to a normal or healthy state.
- Works for health, technology, relationships, and general situations.
- Implies a positive 'bounce back' after a period of disruption.
What It Means
恢复 is your go-to word for any kind of 'bounce back'. It covers everything from your phone battery recharging to your body healing after a cold. It implies that something was broken, tired, or paused, and now it is back in action. It is a very positive, stabilizing word.
How To Use It
You usually place the thing being restored before or after 恢复. For example, you can 恢复健康 (restore health) or say 系统恢复了 (the system has recovered). It works as both a verb and a noun. It is like saying 'back to normal' but in a single, elegant Chinese word. Just remember, it usually refers to a process that takes a little time.
When To Use It
Use it when you are feeling better after being sick. Use it when the Wi-Fi finally starts working again after an outage. It is perfect for professional settings when a project is back on track. You can even use it when talking about friendships 'restoring' after a silly argument. It feels refreshing and relieved.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 恢复 for simply 'returning' to a physical place like your house. Use 回 for that. Also, do not use it for 'refilling' a glass of water. It is about a state of being, not just adding more of a physical substance. If you find a lost wallet, you 'found' it, you didn't 'recover' it in the 恢复 sense unless you are talking about the legal process.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, balance and 'Great Harmony' are huge concepts. 恢复 represents the return to that natural balance. After the fast-paced changes in modern China, people often talk about 恢复 in terms of traditional values or old neighborhoods. It carries a sense of hope and continuity. It is the verbal equivalent of a deep, calm breath.
Common Variations
You will often see 恢复原状 which means 'restore to original condition'. In the gym, you might hear 恢复体力 for 'recovering your strength'. In tech-heavy cities like Shenzhen, you will hear 系统恢复 (system recovery) constantly. It is a versatile tool in your vocabulary kit.
Usage Notes
The word is highly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe to use with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend.
The 'Power Up' Secret
If you want to sound like a native speaker at the gym, say `恢复体力` (huīfù tǐlì). It makes you sound like a martial arts hero catching their breath.
Don't just 'Return'
Avoid using `恢复` for physical movement. You don't `恢复` to your house; you `回` (huí) to your house.
The Reset Button
In Chinese gaming culture, `恢复` is often used for HP/MP regeneration. It's the ultimate 'healing' word.
Examples
6我的身体已经恢复了。
My body has already recovered.
A very common way to tell friends you are no longer sick.
网络终于恢复了！
The internet has finally been restored!
Expresses relief when technology starts working again.
我们需要恢复市场信心。
We need to restore market confidence.
Used here in a professional, abstract sense.
我们的关系能恢复吗？
Can our relationship be restored?
A heavy, emotional use of the word regarding personal bonds.
我需要时间恢复体力。
I need time to recover my strength.
Commonly used after exercise or hard work.
我的大脑还没恢复工作。
My brain hasn't recovered/resumed work yet.
A funny way to say you are still sleepy or tired.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe getting better after being sick.
休息了几天，他的健康已经___了。
`恢复` is the standard term for restoring health or a state of being.
Which phrase fits a technical 'system restore'?
电脑正在___系统。
`恢复系统` is the standard technical term for 'system recovery'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 恢复
Talking about your energy or phone battery.
体力恢复了
Talking about health or the internet.
健康恢复了
Economic or diplomatic relations.
恢复外交关系
When to use 恢复
Post-Illness
身体恢复
Tech Repair
系统恢复
Post-Workout
恢复体力
Relationships
恢复友谊
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsYes, but specifically for the software or settings, like 恢复出厂设置 (restore to factory settings).
Yes, you can say 从失恋中恢复 (recover from a breakup), though 走出来 (walk out of) is also common.
修复 (xiūfù) is more about physically repairing something broken, while 恢复 is about returning to a state.
Yes! You can say 天气恢复了正常 (the weather returned to normal) after a big storm.
Not at all. It's perfectly neutral. You can text a friend 你恢复了吗？ to ask if they are feeling better.
Usually, yes. It implies getting back to the original level of health or function.
Actually, 修复 is better for physical buildings. 恢复 is better for the 'original appearance' (恢复原貌).
You use 恢复信心 (huīfù xìnxīn). It's a very common phrase in news and business.
Not really a slang version, but people might just say 好了 (hǎole) in very casual speech instead.
Yes, 恢复开会 means to resume a meeting after a break.
Using it like 'return' (to a place). Remember: 恢复 is about 'how' something is, not 'where' it is.
Related Phrases
修复 (Repair)
复原 (Return to original state)
康复 (Recover health/rehab)
改进 (Improve)
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