Translation guide
The English concept of 'returning' covers going back to a place, giving something back, and coming back from somewhere. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is returning and the direction relative to the speaker.
Expressing that someone goes back to a place they came from, such as home, a country, or an office.
The most common verb for returning to one's home, base, or point of origin. It implies going back to where one belongs.
I'm going home.
I'm returning to my country next month.
Means to return to a previous location, often used for temporary returns or going back to a place that is not one's home base. More neutral than 帰る.
To turn back or retrace one's steps, often because of an obstacle or change of plan.
Expressing that someone gives an object back to its owner or original place.
The standard transitive verb for returning an object. The giver is the subject, and the object is marked with を.
Expressing that someone or something comes back to the speaker's location or to a point of reference.
The combination of 戻る (return) and くる (come) indicates movement back toward the speaker or current location.
Expressing reciprocity in social interactions, such as returning a bow, a favor, or a greeting.
To do something in return for a favor or gift. Can be used for both tangible and intangible returns.
Expressing that something goes back to an earlier condition, or that a conversation returns to a previous subject.
Also used for abstract returns, such as returning to a topic or a previous state.
When are you returning to Japan?
会社に戻ります。
I'm returning to the office.
I'll go back home quickly to get something I forgot.
The rain got heavier, so we turned back.
I return the book to the library.
I have to return the money I borrowed.
A more formal term for returning something, often used for library books, rental items, or official contexts.
I return the rental car.
Humble form of 返す, used when returning something to a superior or in polite situations. Also means to give something in return for a favor.
I return these documents to you. (polite)
I'll be right back.
He hasn't come back yet.
Used when someone returns home or to their base, and the speaker is at that location or empathizes with it.
My father came home from work.
In return for their help, I treated them to dinner.
Specifically to repay a deep debt of gratitude or obligation.
I want to repay the favor someday.
To return a greeting, such as a bow or a verbal greeting.
He returned my greeting with a slight nod.
Let's get back to the original topic.
Peace has finally returned.
To return to a former position, role, or activity, such as returning to work after leave.
He returned to work.
Go back to the house (maybe to pick up something).
返す (kaesu) is only for returning objects or abstract things like favors. To say a person returns, use 帰る or 戻る. Saying 人を返す would mean 'to send a person back' or 'to return a person (like a borrowed item)', which is unnatural in most contexts.
I returned the money I borrowed.
He hasn't returned yet.