expression, godan verb (-ru)
come to one's senses; regain composure
Used when someone snaps out of a daze, shock, anger, or distraction and returns to a normal, rational state.
彼は怒りで我を忘れていたが、友人の言葉で我に返った。
He had lost himself in anger, but his friend's words brought him back to his senses.
事故のショックでしばらく呆然としていたが、サイレンの音で我に返った。
I was stunned by the shock of the accident for a while, but the sound of the siren brought me back to my senses.
expression, godan verb (-ru)
calm down; collect oneself
Focuses on regaining emotional calm after being upset, agitated, or panicked. Overlaps with sense 1 but emphasizes the emotional settling rather than the cognitive snap-back.
深呼吸をして、少し我に返った。
I took a deep breath and calmed down a little.
彼女は泣きじゃくっていたが、水を飲んでようやく我に返った。
She was sobbing, but after drinking some water she finally collected herself.