huíxìn: 回信 - To Reply (to a letter), A Reply Letter

• Keywords: huixin, 回信, reply in Chinese, reply to email Chinese, Chinese for reply letter, how to reply in Chinese, huixin vs huifu, write a reply Chinese, receive a reply Chinese, HSK 3 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn how to use “回信” (huíxìn), the essential Chinese term for both the action of replying to a letter or email, and the reply itself. This guide breaks down its characters, cultural context, and practical use in modern communication, from formal business emails to personal correspondence. We'll also clarify the important difference between 回信 (huíxìn) and the more general term 回复 (huífù).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): huíxìn
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To reply to a letter or email; a letter or email that is a reply.
• In a Nutshell: “回信” (huíxìn) is a straightforward and common word that combines “return” (回) and “letter/message” (信). Think of it as “returning a letter.” It's used when you're talking about writing a response to a written message that has some substance, like an email or a traditional letter. It can be the action of replying (a verb) or the reply you receive (a noun).

• 回 (huí): This character means “to return,” “to go back,” or “to circle.” Pictographically, it can be seen as an eddy or a swirl, representing something turning back on itself.
• 信 (xìn): This character means “letter,” “message,” or “trust/faith.” It's composed of 人 (rén - person) and 言 (yán - speech), suggesting that a person's words should be trustworthy—a core concept for messages and correspondence.

When combined, 回信 (huíxìn) literally means “return letter.” The logic is simple and direct: you received a message, and you are sending one back in return.

Historically, letter writing (写信) was a significant and thoughtful act in China. A “回信” was not just a simple response; it was a carefully composed piece of communication that reflected the sender's education, sincerity, and respect for the recipient. The time and effort put into a handwritten reply were highly valued. In modern times, this concept has transitioned to email. While the speed has increased, the term “回信” still carries a slightly more substantial and formal connotation than a quick text message reply. Comparing it to Western culture, a “reply” to a text can be a one-word answer or an emoji. However, when someone in China says they need to “回信”, it usually implies responding to an email or a more formal message that requires a thoughtful, complete answer. It’s less about instantaneous reaction and more about considered communication. The term bridges the traditional value of thoughtful correspondence with the efficiency of modern technology.

“回信” is extremely common in daily and professional life, primarily in the context of emails.

• As a Verb (to reply): You use it when you are talking about the action of writing a reply.
• `我需要给他回信。` (Wǒ xūyào gěi tā huíxìn.) - I need to reply to him.
• `你为什么还没给我回信？` (Nǐ wèishéme hái méi gěi wǒ huíxìn?) - Why haven't you replied to me yet?
• As a Noun (a reply): You use it to refer to the actual message you receive back.
• `我今天收到了他的回信。` (Wǒ jīntiān shōudào le tā de huíxìn.) - I received his reply today.
• `我在等你的回信。` (Wǒ zài děng nǐ de huíxìn.) - I'm waiting for your reply.

It is primarily used for emails and letters. For instant messages (like on WeChat) or social media comments, the term 回复 (huífù) is much more common.

• Example 1:
  • 我一收到你的邮件，就马上给你回信了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yī shōudào nǐ de yóujiàn, jiù mǎshàng gěi nǐ huíxìn le.
  • English: As soon as I received your email, I immediately replied to you.
  • Analysis: Here, “回信” is used as a verb, “to reply.” The structure “一…就…” (yī…jiù…) means “as soon as… then…” and emphasizes the immediacy of the action.
• Example 2:
  • 非常感谢您的回信，我已经明白了。
  • Pinyin: Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de huíxìn, wǒ yǐjīng míngbai le.
  • English: Thank you very much for your reply letter/email; I understand now.
  • Analysis: In this formal sentence, “回信” is a noun, “the reply.” Using 您 (nín) and 非常感谢 (fēicháng gǎnxiè) makes the context polite and professional.
• Example 3:
  • 爸爸，你什么时候有空给我回信呀？
  • Pinyin: Bàba, nǐ shénme shíhou yǒu kòng gěi wǒ huíxìn ya?
  • English: Dad, when will you have time to write me back?
  • Analysis: This shows an informal, personal use of “回信” as a verb. The particle “呀” (ya) at the end softens the tone of the question.
• Example 4:
  • 这封回信的内容非常重要，请仔细阅读。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fēng huíxìn de nèiróng fēicháng zhòngyào, qǐng zǐxì yuèdú.
  • English: The content of this reply is very important; please read it carefully.
  • Analysis: “回信” is a noun here. Note the use of the measure word “封” (fēng), which is used for letters and emails.
• Example 5:
  • 他说他很忙，可能要过几天才能回信。
  • Pinyin: Tā shuō tā hěn máng, kěnéng yàoguò jǐ tiān cái néng huíxìn.
  • English: He said he's very busy and might not be able to reply for a few days.
  • Analysis: A common situation where “回信” (verb) is used to explain a delay in response. “才” (cái) emphasizes that the action won't happen until a certain condition (a few days passing) is met.
• Example 6:
  • 我等了一整个星期，都没有收到他的回信。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ děngle yī zhěnggè xīngqī, dōu méiyǒu shōudào tā de huíxìn.
  • English: I waited a whole week and still didn't receive his reply.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses “回信” as a noun and expresses frustration or disappointment. The structure “都…没有” (dōu…méiyǒu) means “not at all.”
• Example 7:
  • 请在周五前回信确认您是否参加会议。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng zài zhōu wǔ qián huíxìn quèrèn nín shìfǒu cānjiā huìyì.
  • English: Please reply before Friday to confirm whether you will attend the meeting.
  • Analysis: A classic example from a formal business email. “回信” is the verb “to reply,” used as a polite instruction.
• Example 8:
  • 他的回信很短，只说了“好的”。
  • Pinyin: Tā de huíxìn hěn duǎn, zhǐ shuōle “hǎo de”.
  • English: His reply was very short; it only said “Okay.”
  • Analysis: “回信” is the noun “reply.” This shows that even a brief email response can be called a “回信”.
• Example 9:
  • 我需要先考虑一下，明天再给你回信。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào xiān kǎolǜ yīxià, míngtiān zài gěi nǐ huíxìn.
  • English: I need to think about it first; I will reply to you tomorrow.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses “回信” (verb) to manage expectations about response time, indicating a thoughtful process is needed before replying.
• Example 10:
  • 看到你的回信，我真的太开心了！
  • Pinyin: Kàndào nǐ de huíxìn, wǒ zhēn de tài kāixīn le!
  • English: I was so happy to see your reply!
  • Analysis: An emotional and personal use of “回信” (noun), showing the joy of receiving a long-awaited or friendly message.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 回信 (huíxìn) and 回复 (huífù).

• 回信 (huíxìn): Specific to letters and emails. It implies a “message” with some body or substance. It cannot be used for replying to a simple question in conversation.
• 回复 (huífù): A general-purpose “reply” or “response.” It can be used for anything: replying to an email, a text message, a social media comment, or even verbally answering a question or request.

Rule of Thumb: All 回信 are a type of 回复, but not all 回复 are 回信. If you are replying to an email, you can use either `huíxìn` or `huífù`. If you are replying to a WeChat message or a verbal question, you can only use `huífù`. Incorrect Usage:

• (Your friend sends you a WeChat message: “Are you free tonight?”)
• Incorrect: `我等一下回信你。` (Wǒ děng yíxià huíxìn nǐ.)
• Why it's wrong: A WeChat message is not a “信” (letter/email). It's too informal and brief.
• Correct: `我等一下回复你。` (Wǒ děng yíxià huífù nǐ.) - “I'll reply to you in a bit.”

• 回复 (huífù) - A general term for “to reply” or “a response,” usable in almost any context. The broader category that `回信` falls into.
• 写信 (xiě xìn) - To write a letter. The action that precedes receiving a `回信`.
• 收信 (shōu xìn) - To receive a letter/mail. The action of getting the message.
• 发信 (fā xìn) - To send a letter. More commonly, 发邮件 (fā yóujiàn) is used for “to send an email.”
• 邮件 (yóujiàn) - Email. This is the most common context for `回信` in modern China.
• 短信 (duǎnxìn) - Text message (SMS). You would `回复` a `短信`, not `回信` a `短信`.
• 信息 (xìnxī) - Information, message, news. A very broad term for any kind of message.
• 答复 (dáfù) - A formal “answer” or “reply,” often in response to an official inquiry, request, or application. It carries more weight than `回复`.