Translation and Meaning of: 帰る - kaeru

The Japanese word 帰る (かえる, kaeru) is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, as it is directly linked to everyday life. Its main meaning is "to return" or "to go back," especially in the context of returning home. In this article, we will explore everything from the meaning and writing of this word to its cultural use and practical memorization tips. If you are looking to understand how the Japanese use 帰る in daily life or want to enhance your vocabulary, this guide will help you.

Meaning and use of 帰る

帰る is a verb that conveys the idea of returning, especially home or to a place of origin. Unlike 戻る (modoru), which also means "to return," 帰る has a more personal and emotional sense, often associated with the act of going home after work or school. This nuance is important for those who want to speak Japanese naturally.

In everyday phrases, it is common to hear expressions like "家に帰る" (ie ni kaeru - return home) or "国に帰る" (kuni ni kaeru - return to the country of origin). The verb also appears in formal and informal contexts, showcasing its versatility. Learning to use it correctly can prevent confusion with other similar terms.

Origin and writing of the kanji 帰

The kanji 帰 is composed of the radical 帚 (ほうき, hōki - broom) and the component 止 (とめる, tomeru - stop). This combination suggests the idea of "cleaning" or "organizing" before returning, reflecting a Japanese cultural aspect of organization. Sources like Kanjipedia confirm this structure, although the exact interpretation of the etymology is still debated by experts.

It is worth noting that 帰る is written with the kanji 帰 in formal situations, but it can also appear in hiragana (かえる) in more casual texts or when the writer is unsure of the kanji. This flexibility in writing is common in everyday words, but the use of kanji is preferable in professional or academic contexts.

Tips to memorize and use 帰る

An effective way to remember 帰る is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, think about the routine of returning from work and say aloud: "今日は早く帰りたい" (kyou wa hayaku kaeritai - today I want to go back early). Repeating practical sentences helps to internalize the verb naturally.

Another tip is to observe the use of 帰る in animes and dramas, where it frequently appears in dialogues about family and routine. Series like "Sazae-san" or "Chibi Maruko-chan" depict this context well. This cultural immersion not only reinforces the meaning but also shows the correct pronunciation in different situations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 帰宅する (Kitaku suru) - Go home
• 戻る (Modoru) - Return to a previous place or state
• 帰還する (Kikan suru) - Return (usually in a formal or military context)
• 帰り道に出る (Kaerimichi ni deru) - Leaving to the way back
• 帰路につく (Kiro ni tsuku) - Start the journey back
• 帰国する (Kikoku suru) - Return to the home country
• 帰着する (Kichaku suru) - Arriving home (formal)
• 帰宅する (Kitaku suru) - Go home
• 帰る (Kaeru) - Return home
• 帰す (Kaesu) - Take someone home
• 帰り (Kaeri) - Way back
• 帰り道 (Kaerimichi) - Way back
• 帰路 (Kiro) - Path that leads home
• 帰国 (Kikoku) - Return to the homeland
• 帰着 (Kichaku) - Arrival home (formal)
• 帰宅 (Kitaku) - Arrival at home
• 戻り (Modori) - Return (general)
• 戻り道 (Modorimichi) - Return path
• 戻り路 (Modoriro) - Return route
• 戻る (Modoru) - come back
• 戻す (Modosu) - Restore something to its original state.
• 返る (Kaeru) - Return to the previous condition (refers more to objects or conditions)
• 返す (Kaesu) - Give something back to someone

帰る

Romaji: kaeru
Kana: かえる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: to go back; go home; come back home; turn back

Meaning in English: to go back;to go home;to come home;to return

Definition: "To leave home or starting point and return to the place of origin."

Example Sentences - (帰る) kaeru

See below some example sentences:

帰るのが楽しみです。

Kaeru no ga tanoshimi desu

I look forward to returning home.

I'm looking forward to going back.

• 帰る - The verb "to return home"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 楽しみ - noun that means "fun" or "enjoyable"
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates formality and politeness in the Japanese language

日帰り旅行が楽しいです。

Nikkari ryokou ga tanoshii desu

Day trips are enjoyable.

A day trip is fun.

• 日帰り旅行 - One-day trip
• が - Subject particle
• 楽しい - Funny
• です - polite way of being

只今帰りました。

Tadaima kaerimashita

I just got back now.

I'm back now.

• 只今 (tadaima) - It means "right now" or "I just arrived"
• 帰りました (kaerimashita) - It means "returning home".

出来るだけ早く帰りたいです。

Dekiru dake hayaku kaeritai desu

I want to go home as soon as possible.

I want to go home as soon as possible.

• 出来る - Able to do
• だけ - Only
• 早く - early, quickly
• 帰りたい - wanting to go home
• です - to be, to be (polite form)

何時に帰りますか？

Nanji ni kaerimasu ka?

What time are you coming home?

What time do you come back?

• 何時に - "What time"
• 帰ります - "I'm going back"
• か - "?"

僅かな時間しかありません。

Wazuka na jikan shika arimasen

I only have a little time.

• 僅かな - adjective meaning "little", "scarce".
• 時間 - noun meaning "time".
• しか - particle indicating "only", "solely".
• ありません - verb in the negative form meaning "there is not", "there is not".

夕方に家に帰ります。

Yuugata ni ie ni kaerimasu

I come home at night.

I will go home at night.

• 夕方 (yūgata) - Late at night
• に (ni) - Document that indicates time or place
• 家 (ie) - house
• に (ni) - Document that indicates time or place
• 帰ります (kaerimasu) - Back home

夜が更ける前に帰りたいです。

Yoru ga fukeru mae ni kaeritai desu

I want to get home before the night gets late.

I want to go home before night falls.

• 夜が更ける - night falling
• 前に - before
• 帰りたい - I want to go back
• です - is

帰りたいです。

Kaeritai desu

I want to go back home.

I want to go home.

• 帰りたい - verb "to want to go back home"
• です - Sentence-ending particle

彼女は雨に濡らされて帰ってきた。

Kanojo wa ame ni nurasarete kaette kita

She returned home wet from the rain.

She came back after being wet in the rain.

• 彼女 - She
• は - Topic particle
• 雨 - Rain
• に - Destination particle
• 濡らされて - Wet (past passive)
• 帰ってきた - Back home