Meaning

Primary

To Be Returned

Alternatives

To Return, To Come Back

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

You hopefully know the word 返す, which means "to return" (as in, you're doing the direct action of returning something). This word, on the other hand, is the version where something just returns (and you're not doing the action of returning it). Use the to help you to remember this. the Kangaroo is returned to you. You don't do any of the returning, it just happens or someone else does it. That's why this word means to be returned.

Note this word is often combined with くる (to come), which reinforces the aspect that something is coming back to you.

Reading

かえる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is the same as 返す, so as long as you know that you'll be able to apply it here to learn the reading of this word as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 初心に返る

    to return to one’s original intention

    土に返る

    to return to the earth

    自分に返る

    to be oneself again, to have one's actions come back to oneself

Context Sentences

メールが返ってくるまで会社にいます。

I'll be at the office until an email comes back.

投げたボールが風で返ってきた。

The ball that I threw came back to me with the wind.

貸したお金がちゃんと返ってくると思ったら大間違いよ。

Thinking my money would be returned properly was a huge mistake.

Kanji Composition