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回收 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
回收huíshōuto recycleHSK 5, v, rank #6525, Hard
回收huíshōuto reclaimHSK 5, v, rank #6525, Hard
回收huíshōuto retrieveHSK 5, v, rank #6525, Hard
回收huíshōuto recoverHSK 5, v, rank #6525, Hard
回收huíshōuto recall (a defective product)HSK 5, v, rank #6525, Hard
huíshōu(hui2shou1) T2
  1. 1to recycle
  2. 2to reclaim
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
回收huíshōu(hui2shou1)

回收 (huí shōu) means to recycle or reclaim materials, often referring to the process of collecting waste products to be processed and reused. This term can also apply to recovering defective products or materials, reflecting an emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility in modern contexts.

Frequency#6525DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, recycling has become increasingly important due to rapid urbanization and environmental issues. Programs for waste separation and recycling are promoted by the government, making 回收 a relevant term in discussions about green living.

Memory Tip

Think of 回 (huí) as a 'returning' arrow and 收 (shōu) as 'collecting' something. Imagine an arrow returning to collect discarded bottles to be recycled, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 回收

huíshōu(hui2shou1)
1to recycle
2to reclaim
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 回收

回收Simplified
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6525Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCTCEFRB2

Podcast: 回收

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Podcast: 回收

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AI Study Notes for 回收

Quick Contrast

再利用 (zài lìyòng) vs 回收 (huíshōu): Use 回收 when specifically referring to the act of recycling materials, while 再利用 emphasizes the broader concept of reusing items without necessarily recycling them.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 回 (huí) as a 'returning' arrow and 收 (shōu) as 'collecting' something. Imagine an arrow returning to collect discarded bottles to be recycled, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 回收 with 收回 (shōu huí), which specifically means to take something back rather than recycle it. This term is typically used in environmental contexts and is more formal, so avoid using it in casual conversations about everyday recycling.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 回收 connects well with other vocabulary related to environmental issues and sustainability. Focus on its usage in contexts discussing recycling policies or environmental protection to enhance understanding.

Cultural Note

In China, recycling has become increasingly important due to rapid urbanization and environmental issues. Programs for waste separation and recycling are promoted by the government, making 回收 a relevant term in discussions about green living.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 回收 with the similar-sounding 收回 (shōu huí), which means to take back something rather than recycle it. Correct usage would be to say '我们应该回收塑料瓶' (We should recycle plastic bottles), not '我们应该收回塑料瓶'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 回收

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Component Characters

huíto circle
HSK 16 strokes
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shōuto receive
HSK 36 strokes
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Write 回收

Practice writing 回收 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 回收

回收 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

下雨了,她赶紧把外面的东西往____。

It started raining — she quickly gathered the things outside back in.

Example Sentences for 回收 (3)

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1
这一回收利用过程本身对环境有害吗?

zhè yī huí shōu lì yòng guò chéng běn shēn duì huán jìng yǒu hài ma?

Is the recycling process in itself damaging to the environment?
2
回收水? 我们还没那么渴.

huí shōu shuǐ? ? wǒ mén huán méi nà mó.

Recycled water? We're not that thirsty.
3
设计了一套回收制药废液中乙腈的新工艺.

shè jì le yī tào huí shōu zhì yào fèi yè zhōng yǐ jīng de xīn gōng yì.

A novel process of acetonitrile recovery from pharmaceutical effluent was designed.

Cultural Notes for 回收

🏮Cultural insight

In China, recycling has become increasingly important due to rapid urbanization and environmental issues. Programs for waste separation and recycling are promoted by the government, making 回收 a relevant term in discussions about green living.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While both Chinese and Western cultures emphasize recycling, China has implemented extensive government-led initiatives to promote recycling at a national level, often involving community participation.

Frequently Asked Questions about 回收

回收 (huí shōu) means to recycle, while 回收利用 (huí shōu lì yòng) specifically refers to recycling for practical use, emphasizing the process of making use of recycled materials.