xiūfù: 修复 - To Repair, To Restore

• Keywords: xiufu, 修复, repair Chinese, restore Chinese, fix Chinese, how to say repair in Chinese, xiufu meaning, Chinese verb for restoration, fix a bug Chinese, mend a relationship Chinese.
• Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese verb 修复 (xiūfù), which means “to repair” or “to restore.” More than just a simple “fix,” `修复` implies a careful and complete process of returning something—whether it's a corrupted computer file, an ancient temple, or a broken relationship—to its original, proper state. This guide covers its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use in modern China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xiū fù
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To repair or restore something, often to a complete or original state.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `修复` as “to restore to wholeness.” While the English word “fix” can mean a quick patch-up, `修复` carries a connotation of skill, completeness, and returning an item or situation to its correct, functional form. It's the word you use for bringing a damaged classic car back to mint condition, recovering a corrupted database, or even mending a damaged reputation.

• 修 (xiū): This character means “to repair,” “to build,” “to decorate,” or even “to cultivate” (as in self-cultivation). The left side is the person radical (亻), indicating an action performed by a human.
• 复 (fù): This character means “to return,” “to recover,” or “to repeat.” It suggests a movement back to a previous state.
• Together, 修复 (xiūfù) literally means “to repair and return.” The combination powerfully conveys the idea of actively fixing something to bring it back to its original, proper condition.

In Chinese culture, there is a deep-seated respect for history, continuity, and craftsmanship. 修复 (xiūfù) taps directly into this value system. It's not just about making something work again; it's about honoring its original form and function. This is most visible in the meticulous restoration of ancient artifacts, temples (`修复古建筑`), and calligraphy. The goal is not to create something new, but to painstakingly preserve the old. This philosophy emphasizes patience, skill, and a connection to the past. A useful comparison is to the Western concepts of “repair” vs. “restore.”

• Repair/Fix: In English, “repair” or “fix” can be very pragmatic and utilitarian. You fix a leaky faucet to stop the dripping. The aesthetic or original state is secondary to the function.
• 修复 (xiūfù): While `修复` can be used for practical things, it often carries the weight of “restoration.” It implies a higher level of care. When you `修复` a relationship (`关系`), you're not just patching things over; you're trying to return it to a state of health and trust. This reflects a cultural desire for harmony and completeness over quick, superficial solutions.

`修复` is a common and versatile word used in both technical and abstract contexts.

This is the most straightforward usage, often for complex or valuable items. It feels more formal or significant than the simple `修 (xiū)`.

• Usage: `修复古画` (xiūfù gǔhuà) - To restore an ancient painting.
• Usage: `修复被洪水冲毁的桥梁` (xiūfù bèi hóngshuǐ chōnghuǐ de qiáoliáng) - To repair the bridge destroyed by the flood.

This is an extremely common usage in the digital age. It's the standard term for fixing bugs, vulnerabilities, or corrupted data.

• Usage: `工程师正在修复系统漏洞` (gōngchéngshī zhèngzài xiūfù xìtǒng lòudòng) - The engineers are patching the system vulnerabilities.
• Usage: `我的照片文件损坏了，有没有软件可以修复？` (Wǒ de zhàopiàn wénjiàn sǔnhuàile, yǒu méiyǒu ruǎnjiàn kěyǐ xiūfù?) - My photo file is corrupted, is there any software that can repair it?

`修复` can be used metaphorically for intangible things, which is where it shows its depth.

• Usage: `他们正在努力修复破裂的关系。` (Tāmen zhèngzài nǔlì xiūfù pòliè de guānxì.) - They are trying hard to mend their broken relationship.
• Usage: `这次公关活动是为了修复公司的品牌形象。` (Zhè cì gōngguān huódòng shì wèile xiūfù gōngsī de pǐnpái xíngxiàng.) - This PR event is for the purpose of restoring the company's brand image.

It is also used in scientific contexts to mean restoration.

• Usage: `这个项目旨在修复当地的生态系统。` (Zhège xiàngmù zhǐ zài xiūfù dāngdì de shēngtài xìtǒng.) - This project aims to restore the local ecosystem.

• Example 1:
  • 故宫的专家们正在修复一件珍贵的明代瓷器。
  • Pinyin: Gùgōng de zhuānjiāmen zhèngzài xiūfù yí jiàn zhēnguì de Míngdài cíqì.
  • English: The experts at the Palace Museum are restoring a precious piece of Ming Dynasty porcelain.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of `修复` used for high-value cultural artifacts. It implies great skill and care.
• Example 2:
  • 软件更新包含了很多重要的安全修复。
  • Pinyin: Ruǎnjiàn gēngxīn bāohánle hěn duō zhòngyào de ānquán xiūfù.
  • English: The software update contains many important security fixes.
  • Analysis: Here, `修复` is used as a noun meaning “a fix” or “a patch” in a technical context. This is very common in IT.
• Example 3:
  • 他们之间的信任一旦被打破，就很难修复了。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen zhījiān de xìnrèn yídàn bèi dǎpò, jiù hěn nán xiūfù le.
  • English: Once the trust between them is broken, it's very difficult to repair.
  • Analysis: A powerful metaphorical use of `修复` for an abstract concept like trust.
• Example 4:
  • 道路施工队正在连夜修复被地震损坏的公路。
  • Pinyin: Dàolù shīgōngduì zhèngzài liányè xiūfù bèi dìzhèn sǔnhuài de gōnglù.
  • English: The road construction crew is working through the night to repair the highway damaged by the earthquake.
  • Analysis: This shows `修复` used for large-scale infrastructure repair after a major event.
• Example 5:
  • 我不小心删除了重要文件，希望能修复硬盘并找回数据。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù xiǎoxīn shānchúle zhòngyào wénjiàn, xīwàng néng xiūfù yìngpán bìng zhǎohuí shùjù.
  • English: I accidentally deleted an important file; I hope to repair the hard drive and recover the data.
  • Analysis: Another common digital usage, connecting the physical repair of the drive with the restoration of its data.
• Example 6:
  • 经过多年的努力，这片湿地的生态环境终于得到了修复。
  • Pinyin: Jīngguò duōnián de nǔlì, zhè piàn shīdì de shēngtài huánjìng zhōngyú dédàole xiūfù.
  • English: After many years of effort, the ecosystem of this wetland has finally been restored.
  • Analysis: Here, `得到修复` (dédào xiūfù) is a passive structure meaning “to be restored.”
• Example 7:
  • 吵架之后，他买了一束花，试图修复他和女朋友的关系。
  • Pinyin: Chǎojià zhīhòu, tā mǎile yí shù huā, shìtú xiūfù tā hé nǚpéngyou de guānxì.
  • English: After the argument, he bought a bouquet of flowers, attempting to mend the relationship with his girlfriend.
  • Analysis: A very practical, everyday example of using `修复` for interpersonal relationships.
• Example 8:
  • 这座古老的教堂在战争中被毁，战后人们花了五十年才将它修复。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zuò gǔlǎo de jiàotáng zài zhànzhēng zhōng bèi huǐ, zhànhòu rénmen huāle wǔshí nián cái jiāng tā xiūfù.
  • English: This ancient church was destroyed in the war; it took people fifty years to restore it afterward.
  • Analysis: The long time frame emphasizes the thorough and difficult nature of the `修复` process.
• Example 9:
  • 他的声誉因丑闻而受损，需要时间来修复。
  • Pinyin: Tā de shēngyù yīn chǒuwén ér shòusǔn, xūyào shíjiān lái xiūfù.
  • English: His reputation was damaged by the scandal and will need time to be repaired.
  • Analysis: Shows that intangible things like reputation (`声誉`) can also be the object of `修复`.
• Example 10:
  • 这个模型太旧了，很多零件都找不到了，恐怕无法修复。
  • Pinyin: Zhège móxíng tài jiù le, hěn duō língjiàn dōu zhǎo bu dào le, kǒngpà wúfǎ xiūfù.
  • English: This model is too old, and many parts can't be found. I'm afraid it cannot be repaired.
  • Analysis: `无法修复` (wúfǎ xiūfù) is a common phrase meaning “cannot be repaired” or “is beyond repair.”

The most common mistake for learners is not knowing when to use `修复` versus its simpler relatives, `修 (xiū)` and `修理 (xiūlǐ)`.

• `修复 (xiūfù)` vs. `修理 (xiūlǐ)`:
  • `修理 (xiūlǐ)`: This is your go-to word for general, everyday repairs, especially for machines and appliances. It's the word a handyman or mechanic would use. (e.g., `修理电视` - fix the TV, `修理汽车` - repair the car).
  • `修复 (xiūfù)`: Use this for more complex, technical, or significant restoration. It implies bringing something back to its complete or original state. You `修理` a car's engine, but you might `修复` a totaled classic car. You `修复` a system bug, not `修理`.
  • Incorrect: `我想请人来修复我的洗衣机。` (I want someone to come and restore my washing machine.)
  • Correct: `我想请人来修理我的洗衣机。` (I want someone to come and repair my washing machine.)
• `修复 (xiūfù)` vs. `修 (xiū)`:
  • `修 (xiū)`: This is the simplest and most colloquial verb for “to fix.” It's often used for smaller, simpler tasks. (e.g., `修一下自行车` - fix the bike, `修鞋` - mend shoes).
  • `修复 (xiūfù)`: Using `修复` for a simple bike repair would sound overly formal and dramatic, as if you were performing a museum-quality restoration.
  • Incorrect: `你能帮我修复一下这支笔吗？` (Can you help me restore this pen?)
  • Correct: `你能帮我修一下这支笔吗？` (Can you help me fix this pen?)

In short, think of the scale: 修 (simple fix) < 修理 (general repair) < 修复 (complete restoration).

• 修理 (xiūlǐ) - A very common synonym, but typically used for everyday mechanical repairs of appliances and vehicles.
• 修 (xiū) - The single-character root of `修复`. Used alone, it's a more colloquial term for a simple “fix.”
• 恢复 (huīfù) - To recover or resume. While `修复` fixes a damaged object, `恢复` is about a state or function returning to normal (e.g., `恢复健康` - to recover health; `恢复秩序` - to restore order).
• 重建 (chóngjiàn) - To rebuild. This is used when something is completely destroyed and must be built again from scratch, whereas `修复` implies the original item is damaged but still exists.
• 弥补 (míbǔ) - To make up for; to compensate for. This is used for deficits, losses, or mistakes, not physical damage. (e.g., `弥补损失` - make up for a loss).
• 修补 (xiūbǔ) - To mend or to patch. This suggests a smaller-scale repair, like darning a sock or patching a small hole in a wall. It lacks the “full restoration” sense of `修复`.
• 挽救 (wǎnjiù) - To save or rescue. This implies a sense of urgency and preventing a total loss, such as `挽救生命` (save a life) or `挽救一个濒临破产的公司` (save a company on the brink of bankruptcy).