Comparison of "反复" and "重复"

In Chinese, both "反复" and "重复" are related to the concept of repetition, but they are used in different contexts and convey slightly different nuances.

反复 (fǎnfù)

"反复" is an adverb or verb that means "repeatedly" or "to repeat". It is often used to indicate repeated actions or returning to something again and again.

• For example: He read this book many times. - 他反复地读了这本书。(Tā fǎnfù de dúle zhè běn shū.)
• For example: We discussed this issue several times but didn't come to a conclusion. - 我们讨论了这个问题反复，但没有得出结论。(Wǒmen tǎolùnle zhège wèntí fǎnfù, dàn méiyǒu déchū jiélùn.)

重复 (chóngfù)

"重复" is a verb or noun meaning "to repeat" or "repetition". It indicates the act of repeating something specific, usually without changes.

• For example: She often repeats this gesture. - 她经常重复这个手势。(Tā jīngcháng chóngfù zhège shǒushì.)
• For example: Repeating the material helps to reinforce knowledge. - 重复材料有助于巩固知识。(Chóngfù cáiliào yǒuzhù yú gǒnggù zhīshi.)

Main Differences

• Definition: "反复" often indicates more intensive and frequent repetition or returning to something again and again, whereas "重复" refers to the act of repeating something specific, usually without changes.
• Usage: "反复" is often associated with more intense and frequent repetition, while "重复" may simply indicate repetition without specifying frequency or intensity.