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).
彼は3年間の留学を終えて帰国した。
He returned to his home country after three years of studying abroad.
帰国の準備を始めています。
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.
政府は在外邦人の本国帰還を支援した。
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.
宇宙飛行士の無事な帰還を祈る。
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.
戦没者の遺骨の返還が進められている。
The repatriation of the remains of war dead is being promoted.
Used for the repatriation of cultural property or artifacts.
盗まれた文化財の返還を求める。
We demand the repatriation of stolen cultural property.
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.
Specifically for repatriating profits. 送金 means remittance or money transfer.
海外子会社からの利益の本国送金が増えた。
Repatriation of profits from overseas subsidiaries increased.
Refers to the flow of funds back to the home country, often used in economic contexts. 還流 means reflux or return flow.
海外投資資金の国内還流を促進する。
Promote the repatriation of overseas investment funds.
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.
来月帰国します。
I'm returning to my country next month.
部隊が無事帰還した。
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.
領土の返還を要求する。
They demand the return of the territory.