English–Japanese

“go back” in Japanese

Japanese

Also戻る (modoru)

Pronunciation

Romajikaeru

Example

鳥は巣に返ります。tori wa su ni kae ri ma su

The bird goes back to its nest.

Illustration for 返る (go back)

How to say “go back” in Japanese

“Go back” in Japanese is 返る (kaeru).

Describes moving back to a former place or state after being away from it.

Full entry for 返る: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 返る

落とし物が、持ち主のもとへ返ります。o to shi mono ga mo chi nushi no mo to e kae ri ma su

The lost item returns to its owner.

Tips for using 返る

  • The identical pronunciation of 返る (kaeru, "return") and 帰る (kaeru, "go home") hides a useful distinction: 返る often marks a return to a former place or state, while 帰る commonly marks going home.

Other Japanese words for “go back”

2

戻る

modoru

verbcome back
verbgo back

六時に戻ります。roku ji ni modo ri ma su

I will come back at six.

Related English words

“go back” in other languages