Definition
回电 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to reply by telegram' or 'to wire back'. It was common in the era of telegrams; today it may appear in historical contexts or as a formal term. As a separable verb, you can insert aspect markers or measure words between 回 and 电, e.g., 回了一次电 ('replied by telegram once'). The person you reply to is introduced with 给: 给他回电.
v.o.
to reply by telegramto wire back
Examples
- 回电。Tā zuótiān gěi wǒ huí diàn le.He wired me back yesterday.
- ，。Tā zhǐ huí guò yí cì diàn, zhīhòu jiù méi le xiāoxi.He only replied by telegram once, and then there was no news.
- 回电。Qǐng jǐnkuài huí diàn quèrèn.Please reply by telegram to confirm as soon as possible.
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