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:

彼は道を折り返した。

Kare wa michi o orikaeshita

He turned back on the road.

He returned to the road.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 道 - Japanese noun meaning "way"
• を - object particle indicating that "way" is the direct object of the action
• 折り返した - Japanese past tense verb meaning "came back"

彼女の人柄はとても温かくて親切です。

Kanojo no hitogara wa totemo atatakakute shinsetsu desu

Your personality is very warm and kind.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 人柄 (hitogara) - personality
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - Very
• 温かくて (atatakakute) - Hot and
• 親切 (shinsetsu) - kind
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

日光は美しい自然がたくさんある場所です。

Nikkou wa utsukushii shizen ga takusan aru basho desu

Nikko is a place with a lot of beautiful nature.

• 日光 - Proper name referring to a city in Japan.
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• 自然 - Noun that means "nature"
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - Adverb that means "very"
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"
• 場所 - Noun that means "place"
• です - Linking verb that indicates the end of the sentence and formality.

暴力は決して正当化されるべきではありません。

Bouryoku wa kesshite seitouka sareru beki de wa arimasen

A violência nunca deve ser justificada.

Violence should never be justified.

• 暴力 - violence
• は - Topic particle
• 決して - never, in any way
• 正当化 - justification, legitimation
• される - passive form of the verb "to do"
• べき - it should
• ではありません - formal denial of the polite form of "being"

朗らかな笑顔が素敵です。

Hogarakana egao ga suteki desu

A cheerful smile is beautiful.

The cheerful smile is wonderful.

• 朗らかな - cheerful, lively
• 笑顔 - smile
• が - subject particle
• 素敵 - beautiful, wonderful
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

横綱は相撲の最高位です。

Yokozuna wa sumou no saikoui desu

Yokozuna is the tallest in sumo wrestling.

• 横綱 - Yokozuna (highest rank in sumo)
• は - Topic particle
• 相撲 - Sumo (Japanese martial art)
• の - Possession particle
• 最高位 - Highest position
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

漢字は日本語の重要な要素です。

Kanji wa nihongo no juuyou na youso desu

Kanji is an important factor in Japanese.

• 漢字 - Kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese writing)
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possessive particle
• 重要な - Important
• 要素 - Element
• です - Verb to be in the polite form

片仮名は日本語のアルファベットの一部です。

Katakana wa nihongo no arufabetto no ichibu desu

Katakana is part of the Japanese alphabet.

• 片仮名 - Japanese characters used to write words of Japanese origin
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possessive particle
• アルファベット - alphabet
• の - Possessive particle
• 一部 - part
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

玄人はその分野のプロフェッショナルです。

Gennin wa sono bun'ya no purofesshonaru desu

The specialist is a professional in the field.

• 玄人 (Kengin) - Specialist, expert, expert
• は (wa) - Topic particle, indicates the subject of the sentence
• その (sono) - That, that, this
• 分野 (bunya) - Field, area, branch
• の (no) - Possessive particle, indicates that "bunya" is possessed by "kengin."
• プロフェッショナル (purofesshonaru) - Professional
• です (desu) - The verb "to be" indicates that "kengin" is a "purofesshonaru" in "bunya".

疲労が溜まっている。

Hirou ga tsumatteiru

I'm accumulating fatigue.

I am tired.

• 疲労 - Fatigue, tiredness
• が - subject particle
• 溜まっている - accumulating, accumulating