Translation guide
How to express 'return trip' in Japanese, covering the journey back, round trips, and related travel phrases.
Referring to the trip back to the starting point.
The most common and natural way to say 'return trip' or 'the way back'. Used in everyday conversation.
帰りは電車で行きます。
I'll go by train on the return trip.
帰りにスーパーに寄ってください。
Please stop by the supermarket on your way back.
Formal term for 'return journey', often used in transportation contexts like flights or tickets.
復路の便は午後3時発です。
The return flight departs at 3 PM.
Literary or formal word for 'return journey'. Rare in casual speech.
彼は帰路についた。
He set out on his return journey.
Referring to a trip that includes both going and returning, often for tickets or travel plans.
Standard term for 'round trip'. Used for tickets, travel, and commuting.
往復切符を買いました。
I bought a round-trip ticket.
往復で2時間かかります。
It takes two hours round trip.
Casual way to say 'going and coming back', emphasizing both directions.
Specifically about the trip back home.
The most natural way to say 'go home' or 'return home'. Not a noun, but the verb phrase for the action.
そろそろ家に帰ります。
I'll be heading home soon.
Formal noun meaning 'returning home'. Often used in business contexts.
帰宅途中に事故に遭いました。
I had an accident on my way home.
帰り is the everyday word for the return trip. 復路 is formal and used in schedules or tickets. 往復 means 'round trip' and includes both directions.
帰りは遅くなります。
I'll be late coming back.
復路の切符をなくしました。
I lost the return ticket.
往復でいくらですか？
How much is a round trip?
行き帰りはタクシーを使いました。
I used a taxi for the round trip.