Translation guide
How to express 'send back' in Japanese, covering returning objects, people, replies, and more.
To send something back to its origin, such as a package, letter, or product.
The most direct equivalent for sending back physical items, especially by mail or delivery.
商品を返送してください。
Please send back the product.
I sent back the wrong package.
Literally 'send and return'; common in casual speech for sending things back.
受け取ったけど、気に入らなかったから送り返した。
I received it, but I didn't like it, so I sent it back.
Specifically for returning purchased goods to a store or seller.
この服はサイズが合わないので返品したいです。
These clothes don't fit, so I'd like to send them back.
To send a person back to a place, such as home, school, or their country.
To send someone back home or to where they belong. Often used with a place particle に/へ.
子供を家に帰した。
I sent the child back home.
彼を国へ帰さなければならない。
We must send him back to his country.
To reply to a message, email, or communication.
Standard for replying to emails, messages, or letters.
メールに返信してください。
Please send back an email reply.
すぐに返信できなくてすみません。
Sorry I couldn't send back a reply right away.
More general for giving a reply, often spoken.
彼からまだ返事が来ていない。
I haven't received a reply back from him yet.
To send back light, sound, or a signal, like an echo or reflection.
Used for physical reflection of light, sound, or waves.
鏡が光を反射している。
The mirror is sending back light.
Can be used in compounds like こだまを返す (to send back an echo).
山がこだまを返した。
The mountain sent back an echo.
To return a ball or object in a game.
To hit back, as in tennis or baseball.
サーブを強く打ち返した。
He sent back the serve powerfully.
Technical term for returning a ball, used in sports contexts.
ピッチャーが返球を受けた。
The pitcher received the throw back.
返送する is more formal and often used in business or postal contexts. 送り返す is more casual and can be used for people or things in everyday conversation.
In many cases, Japanese uses a specific verb like 返す (return) or 返信する (reply) instead of a compound with 送る (send). Using 送り返す for everything can sound unnatural.
Can also be used for people, implying physically sending them back.
迷子を親のところへ送り返した。
I sent the lost child back to their parents.