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:

この仕事の候補者は誰ですか？

Kono shigoto no kouhosha wa dare desu ka?

Who are the candidates for this work?

Who is the candidate for this work?

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 仕事 - "work"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 候補者 - noun "candidate"
• は - topic particle "about"
• 誰 - interrogative pronoun "who"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle

この問題の解答は何ですか？

Kono mondai no kaitō wa nan desu ka?

What is the answer to this problem?

What is the answer to this problem?

• この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• の - particle indicating possession, in this case "of"
• 解答 - noun meaning "answer" or "solution"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question

この製品の仕様は非常に高いです。

Kono seihin no shiyō wa hijō ni takai desu

The specifications of this product are very high.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• の - of
• 仕様 - specifications
• は - is
• 非常に - extremely
• 高い - high
• です - is (polite way of putting it)

このシリーズはとても面白いです。

Kono shirīzu wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This series is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• シリーズ - noun "series"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 面白い - adjective "interesting/fun"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form

この型はとても綺麗ですね。

Kono kata wa totemo kirei desu ne

This type is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 型 - noun that means "model", "type" or "form"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 綺麗 - adjective that means "nice", "clean" or "pretty"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form
• ね - final particle that indicates that the speaker is seeking confirmation or agreement from the listener

この本の版は最新版です。

Kono hon no han wa saishinban desu

The version of this book is the latest version.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 版 - noun that means "edition" or "version"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 最新版 - compound noun that means "latest version"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and affirmative form

この会議の趣旨は何ですか？

Kono kaigi no shushi wa nan desu ka?

What is the purpose of this meeting?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 会議 - Noun meaning "meeting" or "conference"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 趣旨 - noun that means "purpose" or "objective"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question

この円の直径は何センチですか？

Kono en no chokkei wa nan senchi desu ka?

What is the diameter of this circle in centimeters?

What is the diameter of this circle?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 円 - noun meaning "circle" or "yen" (Japanese currency)
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 直径 - noun meaning "diameter"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• センチ - abbreviation for "centimeter"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この精密な計器はとても正確です。

Kono seimitsu na keiki wa totemo seikaku desu

This precision tool is very accurate.

This precision instrument is very accurate.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 精密な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 計器 - noun meaning "measuring instrument"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この語句は意味が深いです。

Kono goku wa imi ga fukai desu

This phrase has a deep meaning.

This sentence is significant.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 語句 - noun meaning "words and phrases"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 意味 - noun meaning "significance"
• が - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• 深い - adjective meaning "deep"
• です - verb to be in the polite form