Chinese word

回礼

Pronunciation

Pinyinhuí lǐ

Meaning

  • verbgive a gift in return

Example

他收到礼物，打算回礼。tā shōu dào lǐ wù dǎ suàn huí lǐ

He received a gift and plans to give a gift in return.

Illustration for 回礼 (give a gift in return)

More examples

过年时，我会向长辈回礼以示敬意。guò nián shí wǒ huì xiàng zhǎng bèi huí lǐ yǐ shì jìng yì

At New Year, I will give an elder a return gift to show respect.

Core concept

A social bridge that carries appreciation from a receiver back to the person who showed kindness.

Common phrases

  • 向长辈回礼xiàng zhǎng bèi huí lǐ

    give a return gift to an elder

  • 给老师回礼gěi lǎo shī huí lǐ

    give a return gift to a teacher

  • 用小礼物回礼yòng xiǎo lǐ wù huí lǐ

    give a small gift in return

Similar words

回赠huí zèng: Presenting a gift to return one that was received.
回请huí qǐng: Returning hospitality by inviting someone to eat or attend a social event.
回报huí bào: Responding to kindness or a favor by giving something useful in return.
报答bào dá: Repaying kindness or help with actions that express gratitude.

Definition in Chinese

为了回报他人赠送的礼物、招待或祝贺，通过赠送礼品、宴请或书面致谢等方式表示谢意的行为。wèi le huí bào tā rén zèng sòng de lǐ wù zhāo dài huò zhù hè tōng guò zèng sòng lí pǐn yàn qǐng huò shū miàn zhì xiè děng fāng shì biǎo shì xiè yì de xíng wéi

Word origin

The compound 回礼 (huílǐ, "give a gift in return") places 回 (huí, "return") before 礼 (lǐ, "courtesy or gift"), presenting thanks as something sent back through courtesy.

Usage tips

  • The word is not limited to physical objects: a later meal or a written note can serve the same role, which prevents an overly narrow reading.

Other meanings

  • return giftnoun

Word lists with this word