Translation guide
To make a tape, film, or recording go backwards, or to go back to an earlier point in a digital recording.
To wind a tape or film back onto its spool, or to make a physical recording go backwards.
The standard verb for rewinding a tape, film, or video. Transitive.
ビデオテープを巻き戻してください。
Please rewind the video tape.
Noun form meaning 'rewind' or 'rewinding'.
巻き戻しボタンを押してください。
Please press the rewind button.
To go backwards in a digital audio or video file, like on a computer or smartphone.
Also used for digital media, though it originally referred to physical tapes. Still very common.
動画を少し巻き戻して、もう一度見せてください。
Rewind the video a bit and show me again.
A more casual way to say 'go back' in a recording, often used with a time amount.
Specifically means 'fast rewind' or 'rewinding quickly', often seen on remote controls or apps.
早戻しで最初まで戻ります。
It will rewind to the beginning using fast rewind.
To return to a previous topic or event in a narrative or discussion.
Literally 'return the conversation', used to bring the discussion back to an earlier point.
話を戻しますが、先ほどの件についてどう思いますか？
To rewind a bit, what do you think about the matter we were discussing earlier?
Means 'going back a little', used to rewind a story or explanation.
少し戻って説明します。
Let me rewind a bit and explain.
While 巻き戻す is still used for digital media, younger speakers might simply say 戻す (modosu) or use the English loanword リワインド (riwaindo) in casual contexts, especially for music or video apps.
The loanword リワインド is understood but sounds unnatural for physical tapes. Stick with 巻き戻す for VHS, cassette tapes, etc.
テープを巻き戻してくれますか？
Can you rewind the tape?
間違って巻き戻しすぎちゃった。
I accidentally rewound too far.
Go back 10 seconds.