‘恢复力’ (huī fù lì) literally means ‘recovery power’ — combining 恢 (huī, ‘to restore’), 复 (fù, ‘again’ or ‘to return’), and 力 (lì, ‘strength’ or ‘capacity’). Together, it denotes the psychological or physiological ability to bounce back from adversity, stress, or trauma. Unlike simple ‘recovery’, which refers to returning to a prior state, 恢复力 emphasizes inner strength, adaptability, and sustained functioning despite challenges.

This term is widely used in psychology, public health, education, and workplace wellness contexts. It often appears in discussions about mental health support, post-disaster community rebuilding, or children’s emotional development. While rooted in medical and scientific discourse, it has entered everyday language — for example, parents may talk about nurturing their child’s 恢复力, or coaches may train athletes to strengthen theirs. It carries a positive, proactive connotation, suggesting resilience as a cultivated capacity rather than just an innate trait.