Translation and Meaning of: 帰す - kaesu

The Japanese word 帰す (かえす) is a verb that can cause some confusion for beginner students, especially due to its similarity with other terms related to "return" or "go back". In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly. If you have ever wondered how to differentiate it from 帰る (かえる) or how to apply it in daily phrases, keep reading to find out!

Meaning and translation of 帰す

帰す (かえす) is a transitive verb that means "to send someone back" or "to make someone return." Unlike 帰る (かえる), which is intransitive and indicates the action of returning on one's own, 帰す requires a direct object. For example, a teacher might say "生徒を帰す" (せいとをかえす) to indicate that they are dismissing the students.

In the translation to English, depending on the context, it can be interpreted as "to let someone go," "to release," or even "to say goodbye." This nuance is important to avoid common mistakes when constructing sentences in Japanese, especially in formal or educational situations.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 帰 is composed of the radical 帚 (ほうき, "broom") and the component 止 (とめる, "to stop"). Originally, it represented the idea of "returning home after sweeping," symbolizing the return to the home. This etymology helps to understand why the character is present in words like 帰宅 (きたく, "return home") and 帰国 (きこく, "return to the country of origin").

It is worth highlighting that 帰す is the transitive form derived from the same kanji, while 帰る is the intransitive version. This distinction is common in the Japanese language, appearing in other pairs such as 出す (だす, "to put out") and 出る (でる, "to exit").

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 帰す is to associate it with situations where someone has the authority to send another person away. Think of scenes like a boss ending the workday ("社員を帰す") or a teacher finishing the class ("クラスを帰す"). This mental image helps differentiate it from 帰る, which would be used by the individual who is returning.

Another practical tip is to observe that transitive verbs in Japanese often end with -す, such as 話す (はなす, "to speak") or 消す (けす, "to erase"). This pattern can serve as a clue to identify when 帰す should be used in contrast to its intransitive version.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 帰す

• 帰す - Dictionary form
• 帰します - Polite/formal form
• 帰れ - imperative form
• 帰れます conditional form

Synonyms and similar words

• 送り返す (Okurikaesu) - Return (send back)
• 戻す (Modosu) - Revert, return (to the original place)
• 返却する (Henkyaku suru) - Return, give back (something borrowed)
• 退ける (しりぞける - Shirizokeru) - Reject, dismiss (to return something that is not wanted)
• 送還する (Sōkan suru) - Repatriate, send back (to the country of origin)
• 送り出す (Okuridasu) - Send (send out)
• 送り返しする (Okurikaeshi suru) - Return (the act of returning)
• 送り返すこと (Okurikaesu koto) - The action of returning
• 出迎える (Demukaeru) - Receive (someone who arrives)
• 送り届ける (Okuridokeru) - Deliver (something to a specific location)
• 送り出し (Okuridashi) - Sending (the act of sending)
• 送り出しする (Okuridashi suru) - Send it
• 送り出すこと (Okuridasu koto) - The action of sending
• 帰すこと (Kaesu koto) - Action of returning (something to someone, like a favor)
• 送り返し (Okurikaeshi) - Return (the act of returning)
• 送り返すように言う (Okurikaesu yō ni iu) - Instruct to return
• 送り返すように頼む (Okurikaesu yō ni tanomu) - Ask to return
• 送り返すように求める (Okurikaesu yō ni motomeru) - Request to return
• 送り返すように命じる (Okurikaesu yō ni meijiru) - Order them to return.
• 送り返すように指示する (Okurikaesu yō ni shiji suru) - Instruct to return

帰す

Romaji: kaesu
Kana: かえす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: send back

Meaning in English: to send back

Definition: put something back in its original place.

Example Sentences - (帰す) kaesu

See below some example sentences:

彼女を帰す。

Kanojo wo kaesu

I sent her home.

Give it back.

• 彼女 - It means "girlfriend" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 帰す - verb that means "send back home" in Japanese.
• .