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The decomposition shows how the visual pieces fit together, not necessarily the character’s historical origin.
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to withdraw
to return
to retire
to recoil
tax rebate or refund
to retreat
to dismiss
to fall back
to ebb
to decline
to do less well than before
to degenerate
Notice where 退 sits in each complete thought.
I don't have the slightest intention of retiring.
Source: Tatoeba #1395097 · CC BY 2.0 FRI was uncertain whether to advance or to retreat.
Source: Tatoeba #829717 · CC BY 2.0 FRSocial conditions are going backward rather than forward.
Source: Tatoeba #400613 · CC BY 2.0 FRDefinitions and traditional forms are compiled from Make Me a Hanzi, HSK curriculum data, and CC-CEDICT. Sourced example sentences link to Tatoeba; editorial examples are labeled separately. Review data sources and licenses.