noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
return gift; reciprocal favor
Polite noun for a gift or favor given in return, especially in social or gift-giving contexts. Often used with する to mean 'to give something in return'.
バレンタインデーのお返しにクッキーをあげた。
I gave cookies as a return gift for Valentine's Day.
お世話になったお返しに、夕
To return the favor for their help, I treated them to dinner.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
Used for returning an insult, harm, or negative action. Less common than the gift sense; often appears in set phrases like お返しをする or お返しだ.
やられたら、お返しをするのが俺のやり方だ。
If someone hits me, I hit back—that's my way.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
change; money returned
Refers to the change given back after a cash payment. Common in everyday transactions.
千円札で払ったら、お返しは五百円玉だった。
I paid with a 1,000-yen bill and got a 500-yen coin as change.