返す در ۳۰ ثانیه
- Kaesu means 'to return something' (transitive).
- Used for physical objects like books and money.
- Used for abstract things like favors and greetings.
- Requires the particle 'ni' for the recipient.
The Japanese verb 返す (kaesu) is a fundamental transitive verb primarily meaning 'to return something' or 'to give back.' At its core, it describes the movement of an object, a favor, or even a response from the current possessor back to the original owner or source. Unlike the intransitive counterpart kaeru (to return/go back), 返す requires an agent who performs the action and an object that is being moved. This distinction is crucial for learners at the A2 level, as it forms the basis of social reciprocity in Japanese culture.
- Physical Restitution
- The most common usage involves physical items. If you borrow a book from a library (toshokan) or money from a friend (tomodachi), the act of giving it back is kaesu.
- Abstract Reciprocity
- It extends to non-physical concepts like returning a favor (on o kaesu) or responding to a greeting (aisatsu o kaesu). In these cases, it signifies completing a social cycle.
- Reversing/Turning Over
- In specific contexts, it can mean to flip something over, such as a pancake or a card, though hikkurikaesu is more common for 'overturning.'
「明日までに図書館に本を返さなければなりません。」 (I must return the book to the library by tomorrow.)
「借りたお金はすぐに返すべきだ。」 (You should return the borrowed money immediately.)
Furthermore, the verb is often used in compound forms. For example, kurikaesu (to repeat) literally means to 'flip and return,' implying a cycle. Understanding 返す is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding the flow of objects and obligations in Japanese society. Whether it is a physical object, a phone call (orikaesu), or a smile, the concept of 'returning' is central to communication.
Using 返す (kaesu) correctly requires attention to particle usage and verb conjugation. As a Godan (Group 1) verb, its stem changes follow the 'su' column of the hiragana chart.
1. Basic Grammar Structure
The standard pattern is: [Person A] は [Person B] に [Object] を 返す.
- Particle に (ni): Indicates the recipient (the person you are returning the item to).
- Particle を (wo): Indicates the direct object (the item being returned).
「田中さんにCDを返しました。」 (I returned the CD to Mr. Tanaka.)
2. Conjugation Table
| Form | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Polite (Present) | 返します | kaeshimasu |
| Plain (Past) | 返した | kaeshita |
| Te-form | 返して | kaeshite |
| Negative | 返さない | kaesanai |
| Potential | 返せる | kaeseru |
You will encounter 返す in various everyday settings, ranging from formal institutions to casual conversations among friends.
- At the Library or Rental Shop
- Staff will often ask: 「いつ返せますか？」 (When can you return it?). You might also see signs saying 「ここに本を返してください」 (Please return books here).
- In Business Contexts
- When someone misses a call, they might say: 「折り返し電話を返します」 (I will return your call/call you back). This uses the compound orikaesu.
- Between Friends
- If you borrow a pen or money: 「あとで返すね！」 (I'll give it back later!).
「恩を仇で返すようなことはしたくない。」 (I don't want to return a favor with an injury/evil — a common proverb.)
Learners often struggle with the distinction between 返す (kaesu) and its related verbs. Here are the most frequent errors:
- Mistake 1: Confusing with 帰る (kaeru)
Incorrect: 家に本を帰ります。
Correct: 家に本を持ち帰ります (take home) or 友達に本を返します (return to friend).
Explanation: 帰る (kaeru) means 'to go home' (intransitive). 返す (kaesu) means 'to return an object' (transitive). - Mistake 2: Confusing with 戻す (modosu)
Explanation: 戻す (modosu) means to put something back in its original location. 返す (kaesu) means to return it to its owner. If you put a book back on your own shelf, use modosu. If you give it back to the library, use kaesu.
To expand your vocabulary, compare 返す with these synonyms and related terms:
- 返却する (Henkyaku suru)
- A formal, Sino-Japanese (Kango) version of kaesu. Used in official contexts like libraries or rental agreements.
- 戻す (Modosu)
- To put something back where it was. Focuses on the location rather than the ownership.
- 払い戻す (Haraimodosu)
- To refund money. A specific type of returning (payment).
- 報いる (Mukuiru)
- To reward or repay (often used for favors or hard work in a more literary sense).
چقدر رسمی است؟
سطح دشواری
گرامر لازم
Te-form + kudasai
Nakereba narimasu
Potential form conjugation
Passive voice
Giving and receiving (ageru/kureru/morau)
مثالها بر اساس سطح
本を返します。
I will return the book.
Basic present polite form.
ペンを返してください。
Please return the pen.
Te-form + kudasai for requests.
明日、返します。
I will return it tomorrow.
Time adverb + verb.
お金を返しました。
I returned the money.
Past polite form.
これを返してください。
Please return this.
Demonstrative pronoun + object.
まだ返しません。
I won't return it yet.
Negative polite form.
誰に返しますか？
To whom will you return it?
Interrogative + particle 'ni'.
ノートを返して。
Return the notebook (casual).
Casual te-form request.
図書館に本を返しましたか？
Did you return the book to the library?
Question in past tense.
友達に借りたDVDを返す。
I will return the DVD I borrowed from my friend.
Relative clause + plain form.
すぐ返せますよ。
I can return it right away.
Potential form (kaeseru).
返さなくてもいいです。
You don't have to return it.
Nakute mo ii (no obligation).
いつ返してくれますか？
When will you return it (to me)?
Te-kureru (receiving an action).
辞書を返さなければなりません。
I must return the dictionary.
Nakereba narimasu (obligation).
メールを返しました。
I replied to the email.
Abstract use: returning a message.
借りたものは返すべきです。
You should return things you borrowed.
Beki (should).
恩を返すために一生懸命働きます。
I will work hard to return the favor.
Tame ni (purpose).
彼は借りたお金をなかなか返さない。
He just won't return the money he borrowed.
Nakanaka + negative (difficulty).
読み終わったら、元の場所に返してください。
When you finish reading, please return it to its original place.
Tara (conditional) + location.
後で折り返し電話を返します。
I will call you back later.
Orikaesu (compound verb).
親切にしてもらったので、何かお返しをしたい。
Since they were kind to me, I want to give something in return.
O-kaeshi (noun form).
この本は来週までに返せるはずです。
I should be able to return this book by next week.
Hazu (expectation).
彼は挨拶を返してくれなかった。
He didn't return my greeting.
Aisatsu o kaesu.
借りた傘を返しに行く。
I'm going to return the borrowed umbrella.
Stem + ni iku (purpose of movement).
借金を返すのに五年かかった。
It took five years to pay back the debt.
Noun + ni (purpose/duration).
言葉を返すようですが、それは違います。
I don't mean to talk back, but that's not right.
Kotoba o kaesu (idiom).
手のひらを返すように態度が変わった。
His attitude changed completely (like flipping a palm).
Te no hira o kaesu (idiom).
この恩は一生忘れません。いつか必ず返します。
I will never forget this kindness. I will surely repay it someday.
Kanarazu (certainty).
利息を付けて返す。
Return it with interest.
Risoku (interest).
彼は私の質問に何も返さなかった。
He gave no response to my question.
Abstract return (response).
このチケットは払い戻しができません。
This ticket cannot be refunded.
Haraimodoshi (refund).
白紙に戻す（返す）。
To return to a blank slate (start over).
Idiomatic usage.
歴史を紐解けば、恩を仇で返す例は枚挙に暇がない。
If you look at history, examples of returning a favor with an injury are too many to count.
Formal/Literary expression.
彼は相手の攻撃を鮮やかに返し、勝利を収めた。
He brilliantly countered the opponent's attack and secured victory.
Countering/Returning force.
若かりし頃の苦労が、今になって報いとして返ってきた。
The hardships of his youth have now returned as a reward.
Abstract karmic return.
自然を破壊すれば、それは必ず人間に返ってくる。
If we destroy nature, it will surely come back to haunt us.
Consequence/Backlash.
鏡が光を照り返している。
The mirror is reflecting the light.
Terikaesu (compound verb).
彼は皮肉を皮肉で返した。
He returned sarcasm with sarcasm.
Rhetorical repetition.
借りを返すまでは死ねない。
I can't die until I've repaid my debt.
Kari o kaesu (metaphorical debt).
掌を返すような世間の評価に戸惑う。
I am bewildered by the public's fickle evaluation (flipping like a palm).
Social idiom.
万物は流転し、やがては土へと返る（返す）。
All things flow and eventually return to the earth.
Philosophical/Literary.
その言説は、ブーメランのように彼自身に返っていった。
That statement came back to him like a boomerang.
Metaphorical consequence.
恩讐を越えて、彼は微笑みを返した。
Transcending love and hate, he returned a smile.
High-level literary vocabulary (Onshuu).
投資した資本が利益となって返ってくる。
The invested capital returns as profit.
Economic context.
彼は一言も言葉を返さず、ただ静かに立ち去った。
Without returning a single word, he simply walked away quietly.
Emphasis on silence.
古の知恵を現代に呼び返し、新たな価値を創造する。
To call back ancient wisdom to the present and create new value.
Yobikaesu (to recall/summon back).
運命の悪戯が、彼を元の場所へと引き返させた。
The trickery of fate made him turn back to his original place.
Hikikaesaseru (causative).
借りた恩を返すのは、人間としての最低限の矜持である。
Repaying a favor is the minimum pride one should have as a human being.
Kyouji (pride/dignity).
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
اغلب اشتباه گرفته میشود با
اصطلاحات و عبارات
بهراحتی اشتباه گرفته میشود
الگوهای جملهسازی
نحوه استفاده
Orikaesu is specifically for phone calls or doubling back.
Kaesu (return to owner) vs Modosu (return to place).
- Using 'kaeru' instead of 'kaesu' for objects.
- Using 'wo' for the person instead of 'ni'.
- Forgetting to conjugate to 'kaeshite' for requests.
- Confusing 'kaesu' with 'modosu' in a library context.
- Mispronouncing the pitch accent (should be flat).
نکات
Particle Check
Always remember: [Object] を [Person] に 返す. Don't mix up the particles!
Giri
Returning things on time is a sign of respect and reliability in Japan.
Formal vs Casual
Use 'henkyaku' at the library counter, but 'kaesu' with your friends.
Phone Etiquette
Say 'orikaeshimasu' when you mean 'I will call you back'.
Visualizing
Visualize a circle: you take something, and then you complete the circle by returning it.
Kanji Practice
The kanji 返 has the 'road' radical, suggesting movement back.
Ending Sounds
Focus on the 'su' ending to know it's an action you are doing to an object.
Favors
Returning a favor (on o kaesu) is more important than returning money in many cases.
Not Kaeru
If you are moving an object, it's 'kaesu'. If you are moving yourself, it's 'kaeru'.
Compound Verbs
Learn 'kurikaesu' (repeat) as it's very common in Japanese.
حفظ کنید
ریشه کلمه
Derived from the concept of moving something back in the opposite direction.
بافت فرهنگی
The custom of giving return gifts after weddings or funerals.
Returning favors on White Day after receiving Valentine's chocolate.
تمرین در زندگی واقعی
موقعیتهای واقعی
شروعکنندههای مکالمه
"この本、いつ返せばいいですか？"
"借りたお金、返したっけ？"
"お返しは何がいいかな？"
"メールの返信、まだ返してないの？"
"恩返しをしたい人はいますか？"
موضوعات نگارش
最近、誰かに何かを返しましたか？
恩を返したい人は誰ですか？
借りたものを返すのを忘れたことはありますか？
日本の「お返し」の文化についてどう思いますか？
「言葉を返す」経験について書いてください。
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNo, you must use 'kaeru' (帰る) for returning home. 'Kaesu' is only for returning objects or favors.
'Kaesu' is the common Japanese word used in daily life. 'Henkyaku' is a formal Sino-Japanese word used in official contexts like libraries.
You use the compound verb 'orikaesu' (折り返す) or say 'denwa o kaesu'.
It is transitive. It needs an object (something that you return).
Use the particle 'ni' (に) to indicate the recipient.
Yes, in some contexts like cooking (flipping a pancake), but 'hikkurikaesu' is more common.
You say 'kaesanakereba narimasu'.
It is a noun meaning a return gift or a gesture of thanks in return for something.
Yes, you can 'kaesu' a message or a greeting.
The potential form is 'kaeseru' (can return).
خودت رو بسنج 180 سوال
/ 180 درست
نمره کامل!
Summary
The verb '返す' (kaesu) is essential for expressing the act of returning items or favors. It is a transitive verb that highlights the social responsibility of giving back what was borrowed or received.
- Kaesu means 'to return something' (transitive).
- Used for physical objects like books and money.
- Used for abstract things like favors and greetings.
- Requires the particle 'ni' for the recipient.
Particle Check
Always remember: [Object] を [Person] に 返す. Don't mix up the particles!
Giri
Returning things on time is a sign of respect and reliability in Japan.
Formal vs Casual
Use 'henkyaku' at the library counter, but 'kaesu' with your friends.
Phone Etiquette
Say 'orikaeshimasu' when you mean 'I will call you back'.
مثال
本を図書館に返しました。
محتوای مرتبط
عبارات مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر daily_life
もう少し
B1کمی بیشتر. (لطفاً کمی بیشتر صبر کنید. - もう少し待ってください。)
じゅうしょ
A2جزئیات مکانی که فرد در آن زندگی میکند.
住所
A2آدرس، نشانی. محلی که کسی در آن زندگی میکند.
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1ساعت زنگی. ساعتی که برای بیدار کردن کسی صدا ایجاد میکند.
目覚まし時計
B1ساعت زنگدار وسیلهای است که برای بیدار کردن افراد در یک زمان خاص استفاده میشود.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1با وجود اینکه؛ علیرغم اینکه. برای بیان ناامیدی یا تعجب زمانی که نتیجه برخلاف انتظار است استفاده میشود.
ごぜん
A2واژه 'گوزن' در ژاپنی به معنای صبح یا قبل از ظهر است.
煩い
B1صدای تلویزیون خیلی بلند (urusai) است.
