The concept of revenge is universal, but its expression in Chinese culture has unique facets. While epic tales of 报仇 (bàochóu) (avenging a deep wrong, see Related Terms) exist in literature and film, mainstream culture views day-to-day 报复 (bàofù) with caution. A core cultural value is social harmony (和谐, héxié). 报复 (bàofù) is a direct threat to this harmony, creating a negative cycle. This is captured in the famous proverb: 冤冤相报何时了 (yuānyuānxiāngbào héshí liǎo), which translates to “When will the cycle of revenge and counter-revenge ever end?” It's the philosophical equivalent of “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Compared to the Western idea of “getting even,” which can sometimes be framed as a matter of personal justice, 报复 (bàofù) in a Chinese context is more heavily associated with losing face (丢面子, diū miànzi). The act of retaliation is often a desperate attempt to regain face after being publicly slighted. However, the act itself can also cause both parties to lose face, as it exposes a conflict that could not be resolved privately or gracefully.
报复 (bàofù) is a common and versatile word used in various negative contexts. Its connotation is almost always serious and disapproving.