返聘 (fǎn pìn) literally means 'to return and hire' — the character 返 (fǎn) means 'to return, to go back', and 聘 (pìn) means 'to hire, to appoint', especially in formal or professional contexts. Together, they describe the act of rehiring someone who has already retired, typically due to their valuable expertise, experience, or institutional knowledge. This practice is common in Chinese universities, state-owned enterprises, hospitals, and research institutes.

返聘 is not used for ordinary rehiring after resignation; it specifically refers to bringing back retirees, often on a part-time, advisory, or contract basis. The arrangement usually involves different terms than regular employment — such as no social insurance contributions, flexible hours, and honorific titles like 'senior consultant' or 'honorary professor'. It reflects cultural respect for senior professionals and pragmatic retention of specialized talent.