verb HSK 3
Traditional 還書
to return a book · to return books
Meaning
还书 means to return a book to its owner or to a library. It's a compound verb formed from 还 (to return/give back) and 书 (book). This is one of the most common transactional verbs used in library contexts and among friends who lend books to each other.
Usage
Native speakers use 还书 primarily in library or educational settings. It's neutral in register and commonly appears with time expressions indicating when books are due. The phrase 到图书馆还书 (go to the library to return books) is extremely common among students.
Examples
- 01我明天要去图书馆还书。.I need to go to the library tomorrow to return books.
- 02这本书你看完了吗？该还书了。? .Have you finished reading this book? It's time to return it.
Characters
Common collocations
- 还书期限book return deadline
- 到图书馆还书go to the library to return books
- 按时还书to return books on time
- 忘记还书to forget to return books
Antonyms
Origin
还 originally meant 'to return to' or 'to go back,' and combined with 书 creates a transparent compound meaning 'to give books back.' This follows a productive Chinese word-formation pattern of verb + object.