Translation guide
The act of returning someone or something to their country of origin. In Japanese, the most common term is 帰国 (return to one's country), but specific contexts like official repatriation of remains or cultural property use different words.
Expressing the act of a person returning to their home country, often after living abroad.
The most common and neutral term for returning to one's country. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (帰国する).
He returned to his home country after three years of studying abroad.
I'm starting preparations for my return home.
More formal, often used for official or military repatriation. 帰還 implies returning from a distant or dangerous place.
The government assisted the repatriation of its citizens from abroad.
Often used for soldiers returning from war or astronauts returning to Earth. Can sound dramatic in everyday contexts.
We pray for the safe return of the astronauts.
Referring to the official return of human remains, artifacts, or cultural items to their country of origin.
Specifically for the repatriation of human remains. 返還 means return or restoration.
The repatriation of the remains of war dead is being promoted.
Used for the repatriation of cultural property or artifacts.
General term for return or restoration of something to its original owner or place. Often used in legal or diplomatic contexts.
Sending money earned abroad back to the home country, often in business contexts.
帰国 is the everyday word for returning to one's country, used for study abroad, travel, or living overseas. 帰還 is more formal and often implies a return from a mission, war, or space travel. Using 帰還 for a vacation return would sound overly dramatic.
I'm returning to my country next month.
The troops returned safely.
The English word 'repatriation' is often used in formal or official contexts. In casual Japanese, simply saying 帰国 or 戻る is more natural. Overusing formal terms like 帰還 or 返還 in everyday speech can sound unnatural.
We demand the repatriation of stolen cultural property.
領土の返還を要求する。
They demand the return of the territory.
Promote the repatriation of overseas investment funds.