復
restore, return to, revert, resume
Readings
On'yomi
- フク
Kun'yomi
- また
Meaning
復 centers on going back to a previous state: restoring something, returning to a place or condition, reverting to an earlier form, or resuming an activity after a pause.
Most common words using 復
20 of 218- 復活ふっかつN1
revival (of an old system, custom, fashion, etc.); restoration; return; comeback
- 回復かいふくN3
restoration; recovery; rehabilitation; return; improvement
- 復帰ふっきN1
return; reversion; comeback; reinstatement
- 復興ふっこうN2
revival; reconstruction; restoration; rebuilding; recovery; renaissance
- 復讐ふくしゅうN1
revenge
- 修復しゅうふくN1
restoration; repair; mending
- 往復おうふくN3
making a round trip; going and returning; coming and going
- 復旧ふっきゅうN2
restoration; restitution; rehabilitation
- 復元ふくげん
restoration (to the original state or location); reconstruction; restitution
- 報復ほうふく
retaliation; revenge; reprisal; retribution
- 復刻ふっこく
republication; reissue; reprinting; reproduction
- 復習ふくしゅうN4
review (of learned material); revision
- 復縁ふくえん
reconciliation (with one's spouse, adopted child, etc.)
- 反復はんぷく
repetition; repeat; reiteration
- 復職ふくしょく
reinstatement; reappointment
- 復権ふっけん
rehabilitation; reinstatement; restoration of rights
- 復調ふくちょう
recovery; return to form; regaining one's (usual) form
- 復号ふくごう
decoding; decryption
- 整復せいふく
reposition
- 復古ふっこ
revival; restoration
Study
Etymology
復 combines 彳 (movement) with 复, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of returning or repeating. The character expresses going back or restoring.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 彳 suggests movement, and the right side 复 looks like a person retracing steps. Picture someone walking back along a path to restore what was left behind.
Reading mnemonic
For フク, imagine restoring an old book: you carefully put back the cover and say 'fook' (like a soft 'hook') as it snaps into place. Fook -> フク.