Translation guide
The English word "return" covers many distinct actions: going back, giving back, putting back, and coming back. Japanese uses different verbs for each, and the choice depends on what is returning and the direction of movement.
Expressing that someone goes back to a previous location.
I'll return home.
He returned to his seat.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to go home' or 'to return' to one's home, country, or base. Emphasizes returning to where one belongs.
I have to go home now.
I'll return to my country next week.
Means 'to turn back' or 'to retrace one's steps', often used when you change your mind mid-journey.
I realized I forgot something and turned back.
Expressing that you return an object to the person it belongs to.
Transitive verb meaning 'to return' something to its owner or original place. The object is marked with を.
I returned the book I borrowed.
Please return the money.
Formal verb meaning 'to return' borrowed items, especially to libraries, rental shops, etc.
I returned the book to the library.
Expressing that you return an object to where it was stored or originally located.
Transitive verb meaning 'to put back' or 'to return' something to its original position or state.
Please return it to its original place after use.
Expressing that someone comes back to the current location or the speaker's location.
Phrase combining 戻る (return) and くる (come), meaning 'to come back'. Used when the subject returns to the speaker's location.
I'll come back soon.
He hasn't come back yet.
Phrase combining 帰る (return home) and くる (come), meaning 'to come home' or 'to come back' to one's home/base.
My father will come home soon.
Expressing reciprocation or response to an action.
Also used for returning abstract things like favors, greetings, or attacks. Often used in set phrases.
to return a favor
to return a greeting
Humble expression for returning a favor or giving something in return, often used for gifts.
I'd like to give something in return.
Expressing resumption of a previous condition or subject.
Expressing that you send back or take back a purchased item for a refund or exchange.
戻る (modoru) means to go back to a previous location, while 帰る (kaeru) means to go home or return to one's base. Use 帰る when the destination is home, your country, or your office. Use 戻る for other places, like returning to a seat or a store.
return to one's seat
返す (kaesu) means to return something to its owner, while 戻す (modosu) means to put something back in its original place. Use 返す for borrowed items, money, etc. Use 戻す for putting tools back, restoring settings, etc.
return borrowed money
The English loanword リターン (ritān) is rarely used in natural Japanese except in specific contexts like 'return key' or investment returns. Avoid using it as a general translation for 'return'.
I returned the book to the shelf.
It returned to normal.
to return to the starting point / basics
put a book back on the shelf