Translation and Meaning of: 返す - kaesu

The Japanese word 返す [かえす] is an essential verb for those learning the language. Its main meaning is "to return" or "to give back something," but it can also be used in broader contexts, such as responding to an action or even in idiomatic expressions. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it easily. If you want to understand how the Japanese use 返す in their daily lives, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 返す

The verb 返す [かえす] has the most common translation of "to return" or "to give something back." It is often used when someone needs to return a borrowed item, such as a book or money. For example, if a friend lends you a notebook, you would say "このノートを返します" (I will return this notebook).

In addition to its literal meaning, 返す also appears in abstract situations. In conversations, it can mean "to respond" to a question or action. One example is the expression "恩を返す" (to return a favor), showing that the verb goes beyond the physical sense. This flexibility makes it a very useful word in everyday Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 返

The kanji 返 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) and the component 反 (which suggests repetition or opposition). Together, they convey the idea of "return" or "to return something." This combination is not random – it accurately reflects the meaning of the word, as returning implies a back-and-forth movement.

It is worth noting that 返す is a verb from group 1 (godan), which means its conjugation follows a specific pattern. Knowing this helps when forming sentences correctly. For example, in the past, it becomes 返した (I returned), and in the negative form, 返さない (I don't return). These variations are important for anyone who wants to speak Japanese naturally.

Tips for memorizing and using 返す

An effective way to remember 返す is to associate it with everyday situations. Think of moments when you needed to return something - whether it's a borrowed item or a compliment. This practical connection helps to reinforce the vocabulary. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "借りた本を返す" (return a borrowed book).

In Japan, 返す is a very common word, especially in contexts of education and work. Knowing how to use it correctly demonstrates respect, as the Japanese value reciprocity. If you are learning Japanese, practicing this verb in different situations will enrich your vocabulary and improve your fluency.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 返す

• 返す transitive
• 返さない negative form
• 返しました past
• 返してください imperative
• 返せる potential
• 返すこと gerund

Synonyms and similar words

• 返却する (Henkyaku suru) - Devolver (a item)
• 戻す (Modosu) - Return (a item to its previous place or state)
• 返す (Kaesu) - Return (something to someone)
• 取り戻す (Tori modosu) - Recover (something lost)
• 帰す (Kaesu) - Return (a person home)
• 払い戻す (Haraimodosu) - Refund (money)
• 返品する (Henpin suru) - Return (a product at a store)
• 返却 (Henkyaku) - Return (of a item)
• 送り返す (Okuri kaesu) - Resend (back a item)
• 返却額 (Henkyaku-gaku) - Refund amount (quantity to be refunded)
• 返送する (Hensou suru) - Send back (a item)
• 返却期限 (Henkyaku kigen) - Return deadline
• 返却場所 (Henkyaku basho) - Return location
• 返却箱 (Henkyaku-bako) - Return box
• 返却手続き (Henkyaku tetsuzuki) - Return procedure
• 返却方法 (Henkyaku houhou) - Return method
• 返却書類 (Henkyaku shorui) - Return documents
• 返却手数料 (Henkyaku tesuuryou) - Return rate
• 返却レシート (Henkyaku reshiito) - Return receipt
• 返却日 (Henkyaku-bi) - Return date
• 返却品 (Henkyaku-hin) - Items to be returned
• 返却期間 (Henkyaku kikan) - Return period
• 返却場所指定 (Henkyaku basho shitei) - Designated return location
• 返却不可 (Henkyaku fuka) - Returns not allowed
• 返却不要 (Henkyaku fuyou) - No return required
• 返却不可品 (Henkyaku fukahin) - Items that cannot be returned
• 返却不可事由 (Henkyaku fukajiyuu) - Reasons for not being able to return
• 返却不可商品 (Henkyaku fukashouhin) - Products that cannot be returned

返す

Romaji: kaesu
Kana: かえす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: return something

Meaning in English: to return something

Definition: return it to the owner again.

Example Sentences - (返す) kaesu

See below some example sentences:

この事業の採算はどうですか？

Kono jigyou no saisaku wa dou desu ka?

How is this business profitable?

• この事業 - "this business"
• の - Possession particle
• 採算 - "financial viability"
• は - Topic particle
• どう - "how"
• ですか - "Is it?" (polite form of asking)

この商品の値段は500円以内です。

Kono shouhin no nedan wa gohyaku en inai desu

The price of this product is up to 500 yen.

The price of this product is within 500 yen.

• この商品の値段は - indicates the subject of the sentence, which is the price of the product in question
• 500円 - the value of the product price
• 以内 - means "within" or "up to", indicating that the price does not exceed 500円
• です - is a sentence-ending particle, indicating that the information is a statement

この場所はとても長閑で静かです。

Kono basho wa totemo chōkan de shizuka desu

This place is very quiet and quiet.

This place is very silent and silent.

• この場所 - "this place"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - "very"
• 長閑 - "peaceful, serene"
• で - connecting particle
• 静か - "quiet, calm"
• です - polite way of "to be"

一日一生の大切な時間です。

Ichinichi isshou no taisetsu na jikan desu

A day is an important moment in life.

It is an important moment for a lifetime.

• 一日 (ichinichi) - um dia
• 一生 (isshou) - a lifetime
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 時間 (jikan) - time
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

内閣は日本の政府の最高機関です。

Naikaku wa Nihon no seifu no saikō kikan desu

The cabinet is the maximum organ of the Japanese government.

The cabinet is the highest institution of the Japanese government.

• 内閣 - Cabinet, the executive body of the Japanese government
• は - Topic marking particle
• 日本 - Japan, Asian country
• の - Possession particle
• 政府 - government, set of bodies responsible for public administration
• の - Possession particle
• 最高 - highest, "supreme"
• 機関 - organ, "institution"
• です - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"

刑罰は犯罪を防止するために必要なものです。

Keibatsu wa hanzai wo boushi suru tame ni hitsuyou na mono desu

Punishment is necessary to prevent crime.

• 刑罰 - penalty, punishment
• は - Topic particle
• 犯罪 - crime
• を - direct object particle
• 防止する - prevent, avoid
• ために - in order to
• 必要な - necessary
• もの - thing, object
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

国語は日本語の中でも特に重要な言語です。

Kokugo wa Nihongo no naka demo toku ni juuyou na gengo desu

Language is a particularly important language in Japanese.

• 国語 - national language
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possession particle
• 中でも - among them
• 特に - Especially
• 重要な - important
• 言語 - Tongue
• です - verb to be in the polite form

土台は建物の基礎です。

Daidai wa tatemono no kiso desu

The base is the basics of the building.

• 土台 (dodai) - base, foundation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 建物 (tatemono) - building, construction
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 基礎 (kiso) - foundation, base
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

彼は道を引き返した。

Kare wa michi o hikikaeshita

He turned back.

He's back.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 道 (michi) - Path
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 引き返した (hikikaeshita) - He went back.

彼は本当に奴だ。

Kare wa hontō ni yatsu da

He really is a guy.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 本当に - Japanese adverb that means "really" or "truly"
• 奴 - Japanese noun that can be used pejoratively to refer to a person, in this case "he"
• だ - Japanese verb that indicates the affirmative present form, in this case "is"