Japanese word

返す

Pronunciation

Romajikaesu

Meaning

  • verbgive back, return

Example

母に本を返します。haha ni hon o kae shi ma su

I will give the book back to my mother.

Illustration for 返す (give back)

More examples

図書館に本を返します。to sho kan ni hon o kae shi ma su

I return the book to the library.

図書館で借りた本を、期限までに返します。to sho kan de ka ri ta hon o ki gen ma de ni kae shi ma su

I will return the book I borrowed from the library by the due date.

Core concept

Describes moving something back to its previous owner or place, often because it is due to be returned.

Common phrases

  • 本を返すhon o kae su

    return a book

  • お金を返すo kane o kae su

    return money

Similar words

返却するhenkyakusuru: To give a borrowed item back to the person who owns it.
戻すmodosu: To place something in its previous location or restore it to an earlier condition.

Definition in Japanese

物を元の持ち主や元の場所に戻す。mono o moto no mo chi nushi ya moto no ba sho ni modo su

Word origin

返す (kaesu) is a native Japanese verb related to 返る (kaeru, "return"), expressing the transitive act of making something go back.

Usage tips

  • The polite form 返します (kaeshimasu) is common in everyday exchanges when someone says that an item will be given back.

Other meanings

  • put backverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 返し方kaeshikataway of returningnoun

Word lists with this word