godan verb (-su), transitive verb
Returning a physical object to its original place or owner. Often used with ~を返す.
See also: 帰す (かえす)
借りた本を図書館に返した。
I returned the borrowed book to the library.
使ったら元の場所に返してください。
Please put it back where it was when you're done.
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
Physically turning something over, such as a card, a page, or an object. 反す is sometimes used for this sense.
カードを返して、数字を確認する。
Turn over the card and check the number.
彼は手のひらを返したように態度を変えた。
He changed his attitude as if flipping his palm.
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
Returning a favor, money, or an action, including negative retaliation. Common in phrases like 恩を返す (repay a kindness) or 仕返しをする (get revenge).
借金を早く返さなければならない。
I have to pay back the debt soon.
彼の親切にいつか恩返しをしたい。
I want to repay his kindness someday.
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
Responding verbally, often with a sharp or quick reply. Used with words like 言葉を返す or 言い返す.
彼はすぐに言葉を返した。
He immediately replied.
文句を言われたので、言い返した。
I was complained at, so I talked back.
auxiliary verb, godan verb (-su)
do back; return an action
Auxiliary verb attached to the -masu stem of another verb, meaning to do that action back in return. Often implies a reciprocal or retaliatory action.
彼が手を振ったので、私も振り返した。
He waved, so I waved back.
相手が打ってきたボールを打ち返した。
I hit back the ball that my opponent hit to me.
auxiliary verb, godan verb (-su)
Auxiliary verb attached to the -masu stem of another verb, meaning to do that action again or repeatedly. Less common than the 'do back' auxiliary sense.
同じ質問を何度も聞き返した。
I asked the same question again and again.
失敗したので、最初からやり返した。
I failed, so I did it over from the beginning.