The concept of 复仇 in Chinese culture is often tied to justice, honor, and filial piety, rather than simple, angry retaliation. It is seen as a moral imperative in certain situations, a way of restoring cosmic balance and honoring the wronged. A cornerstone of this idea is the famous proverb: 君子报仇，十年不晚 (jūnzǐ bàochóu, shí nián bù wǎn), which translates to “For a gentleman to take revenge, ten years is not too late.” This doesn't endorse vengeance but highlights a particular approach to it: one that is patient, calculated, and driven by principle, not by hot-headed passion. It contrasts with the impulsive, “eye for an eye” mentality. This theme is the lifeblood of the 武侠 (wǔxiá) genre of novels and films. Countless stories feature a protagonist whose entire journey is a quest for 复仇—to avenge a murdered master (师傅, shīfu) or slaughtered family. In this context, revenge is a noble and righteous path that drives the hero's training and ultimate destiny. Compared to the Western concept of “getting even,” which can be casual or even humorous, 复仇 is almost exclusively used for grave matters. You would never use 复仇 to describe getting back at a coworker for a prank. 复仇 implies a wrong so deep that it has fundamentally disrupted the moral order, and only an equally significant act can set it right.
复仇 is a formal and literary term. You are far more likely to encounter it in writing or media than in everyday conversation.
The connotation of 复仇 is heavy and serious. While it can be portrayed as a righteous quest in fiction, in real life it often carries the negative weight of a destructive, all-consuming obsession.
Think of it this way: A superhero 复仇s the supervillain who destroyed his city. A company 报复s a rival by launching a competing product.