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A2 verb #1,800 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

かえす

kaesu 상위 1,800

At the A1 level, 'kaesu' is introduced as a basic action verb for daily life. You learn it primarily in the context of returning borrowed items like books or pens. The focus is on the simple 'Subject wa Object o kaeshimasu' structure. Learners are taught to recognize the 'su' ending and how it changes to 'shimasu' in polite speech. At this stage, the most important thing is distinguishing 'kaesu' from 'kaeru' (to go home). You will use it to say things like 'I will return the book' or 'Please return the umbrella.' It is a foundational verb for basic classroom and social interactions where sharing and returning items is common. The concept of the 'ni' particle for the recipient is also introduced here, though often simplified to just returning things to a place like a library.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'kaesu' to include more varied objects and social situations. You begin to use it with money ('okane o kaesu') and understand the importance of deadlines ('ashita made ni kaesu'). You also learn the 'te-form' ('kaeshite') to make requests and the 'nai-form' ('kaesanai') for negative statements. A2 learners start to see 'kaesu' in compound contexts, like 'kaeshite morau' (to have someone return something to you). The distinction between 'kaesu' and 'modosu' (putting something back) becomes more relevant as your vocabulary grows. You are expected to use 'kaesu' correctly in short dialogues, such as at a shop counter or when talking to friends about borrowed items. You also learn the noun form 'okaeshi' in the context of basic social gift-giving.

By B1, you are expected to handle the various conjugations of 'kaesu' fluently, including the potential form ('kaeseru') and the conditional forms ('kaeseba', 'kaeshitara'). You start to use 'kaesu' in more abstract ways, such as 'repaying a favor' (on o kaesu) or 'returning a reply' (henji o kaesu). The formal equivalent 'henkyaku suru' is introduced, and you learn to choose between them based on the setting. You also encounter 'kaesu' as a suffix in compound verbs like 'kurikaesu' (to repeat) and 'iikaesu' (to talk back). B1 learners should be able to explain the rules of returning items in a complex situation, such as returning a rental car or explaining why a payment is late. The cultural nuance of 'giri' (obligation) associated with 'kaesu' becomes a topic of study.

At the B2 level, 'kaesu' is used in sophisticated idiomatic expressions and complex grammatical structures. You understand the nuances of 'kaesu' in passive and causative-passive forms ('kaesaseru', 'kaesaserareru'). You can use it to describe more complex social dynamics, like 'returning a slight' or 'repaying a long-term debt of gratitude.' You are familiar with literary or formal uses, such as 'ten o kaesu' (to turn over). B2 learners can distinguish between 'kaesu' and other similar verbs like 'mukuiru' or 'hensai suru' in professional or academic contexts. You also start to see 'kaesu' in news reports concerning economic refunds or the return of cultural artifacts. Your understanding of 'kaesu' now includes its role in maintaining 'wa' (harmony) in Japanese society through the meticulous tracking of social exchanges.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, nuanced command of 'kaesu' and its derivatives. You can use it in high-level academic or professional discussions, such as 'returning a profit' (rieki o kaesu) or 'returning a verdict.' You understand the historical and etymological roots of the kanji and how it relates to other concepts of 'turning' and 'answering.' You can appreciate the use of 'kaesu' in classical literature or poetry, where it might describe the movement of the tides or the cycle of life. C1 learners can navigate complex social situations where 'kaesu' is implied but not spoken, such as the subtle 'okaeshi' rituals in high-level business networking. You can also critique the use of 'kaesu' in different registers, from street slang to the humble language used in the Imperial Court.

At the C2 level, 'kaesu' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning in creative writing or oratory. You are familiar with rare idioms like 'on o ada de kaesu' (to return evil for good) and can use them appropriately in philosophical or ethical debates. You understand the philosophical implications of 'kaesu' in Japanese thought, such as the idea of returning to nature or the source. Your mastery includes the ability to use 'kaesu' in any possible grammatical configuration with perfect naturalness. You can also analyze the linguistic evolution of 'kaesu' and its role in the development of the Japanese language. For a C2 speaker, 'kaesu' is not just a verb, but a multifaceted concept that touches upon every aspect of Japanese life, from the mundane to the sublime.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

かえす 30초 만에

Kaesu means to return an object or repay a favor.
It is a transitive verb requiring the particle 'o'.
The recipient is marked with the particle 'ni'.
Commonly confused with 'kaeru' (to go home).

The Japanese verb かえす (返す) is a transitive verb primarily meaning 'to return something' or 'to give something back' to its original owner or location. At its core, it represents the completion of a cycle that began with borrowing or receiving. In the Japanese linguistic worldview, the act of returning is deeply tied to the concept of social equilibrium and responsibility. When you borrow a book, money, or even a favor, there is an invisible thread of obligation (giri) created between you and the lender. Using 'kaesu' signifies the severing of that specific obligation by restoring the status quo. It is essential to distinguish this from its intransitive counterpart, kaeru (返る), which means 'to be returned' or 'to go back' without a specified agent performing the action. In the context of 'kaesu', the subject is actively taking the object and placing it back where it belongs or handing it back to the person it belongs to.

Core Concept: Restoration of ownership or original state through active agency.

図書館に本をかえす。(I will return the book to the library.)

Beyond physical objects, 'kaesu' extends into the realm of communication and abstract concepts. For instance, 'kotoba o kaesu' (言葉を返す) can mean to talk back or to offer a retort, literally 'returning words.' Similarly, 'on o kaesu' (恩を返す) means to repay a kindness or favor, which is a cornerstone of Japanese ethics. This versatility makes 'kaesu' one of the most frequently used verbs in daily life, appearing in everything from simple classroom interactions ('Return your tests') to complex business negotiations ('Return the investment'). Understanding 'kaesu' requires recognizing the directionality of the action: it is always moving away from the current possessor back to the source. This directional flow is often reinforced by the particle 'ni' (に) to indicate the recipient of the returned item. Whether it is a borrowed umbrella, a loan from a bank, or a simple 'thank you' in response to a compliment, 'kaesu' is the engine of reciprocity in Japanese culture.

Transitivity: This is a transitive verb (ta-doushi), meaning it requires a direct object marked by 'o' (を).

友達に借りたお金をかえしました。(I returned the money I borrowed from my friend.)

In more advanced contexts, 'kaesu' can be used as a suffix in compound verbs (v-stem + kaesu) to indicate doing something back or repeating an action. For example, 'iikaesu' (言い返す) means to say back or retort, and 'yarikaesu' (やり返す) means to do back or retaliate. This 'back' or 'again' nuance is a direct evolution of the core meaning of returning an action to its sender. In literature, you might see 'kaesu' used to describe the tide receding or the seasons turning back, though these are more poetic and less common in daily A2-level speech. The kanji 返す consists of the 'movement' radical on the left and a phonetic component on the right that suggests a turning motion, visually reinforcing the idea of something being turned back to its origin. By mastering 'kaesu', you gain insight into the Japanese emphasis on gratitude and the meticulous tracking of social debts and credits.

Kanji Breakdown: 返 (Return/Answer) + す (Verb ending). The kanji is also used in 'henji' (reply).

借りた傘をかえさなければなりません。(I must return the borrowed umbrella.)

メールの返事をかえす。(To send back/return an email reply.)

恩をかえすために一生懸命働きます。(I will work hard to repay the favor.)

Using かえす (返す) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a Godan (Group 1) verb and its interaction with particles. The basic sentence pattern is: [Subject] が [Recipient] に [Object] をかえす. For example, 'Watashi ga tomodachi ni hon o kaesu' (I return the book to my friend). The particle 'ni' is crucial here as it marks the destination or the person receiving the item. If you are returning something to a place, like a library or a store, 'ni' or 'e' can be used, though 'ni' is more common for the specific point of return. As a Godan verb, it conjugates by changing the final 'su' sound. The polite form is 'kaeshimasu', the negative is 'kaesanai', the past is 'kaeshita', and the 'te-form' is 'kaeshite'. This 'te-form' is frequently used in requests: 'Hon o kaeshite kudasai' (Please return the book).

Conjugation Table: Dictionary: かえす | Polite: かえします | Negative: かえさない | Te-form: かえして | Past: かえした

明日までにこのDVDをかえしてください。(Please return this DVD by tomorrow.)

One of the nuances of 'kaesu' is its role in the 'borrow-return' cycle. In Japanese, borrowing is often expressed with 'kariru' (借りる). Therefore, 'karita mono o kaesu' (returning borrowed things) is a standard phrase. In business settings, 'kaesu' is often replaced by the more formal 'henkyaku suru' (返却する) for objects like rental cars or library books, or 'henkin suru' (返金する) for returning money. However, in spoken conversation, 'kaesu' remains the dominant choice. When you are returning a favor, the phrase 'okaeshi o suru' (お返しをする) is used, where 'okaeshi' is the noun form of 'kaesu' with an honorific prefix. This is common during gift-giving seasons like White Day, where men 'return' a gift to women who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day. The verb 'kaesu' thus facilitates not just the movement of goods, but the maintenance of social harmony (wa).

Common Objects: Hon (book), Okane (money), Kasa (umbrella), Karita mono (borrowed things), On (favor).

彼は借りたお金をすぐにかえしました。(He returned the borrowed money immediately.)

In compound verbs, 'kaesu' adds a sense of 'back' or 're-'. For example, 'kurikaesu' (繰り返す) means to repeat (literally 'to turn and return'). This is a very common N3+ level word, but it's good to know that the 'kaesu' part provides the 'again' meaning. Another usage is 'hikikaesu' (引き返す), which means to turn back or double back on one's path. In these cases, the 'su' ending still follows Godan conjugation rules. When using 'kaesu' in a potential form ('can return'), it becomes 'kaeseru'. For example, 'Ashita kaeserimasu' (I can return it tomorrow). In the causative form ('make someone return'), it becomes 'kaesaseru'. These variations allow for precise expression of intent and ability regarding the act of returning. Remember that 'kaesu' always implies a specific thing being moved; you cannot use it to say 'I returned home' (that would be 'kaerimashita').

Potential Form: かえせる (Kaeseru) - Can return. Example: 'Kyou wa kaesemasen' (I can't return it today).

何度も同じ言葉をくりかえさないでください。(Please don't repeat the same words over and over.)

忘れ物をしたので、家にひきかえしました。(I forgot something, so I turned back home.)

この本は来週までかえさなくてもいいです。(You don't have to return this book until next week.)

The verb かえす (返す) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, echoing through libraries, schools, offices, and homes. One of the most common places to hear it is at a library counter. The staff might ask, 'Itsu kaeshimasu ka?' (When will you return it?) or remind you, 'Kigen made ni kaeshite kudasai' (Please return it by the deadline). In schools, teachers frequently use it when distributing graded assignments: 'Tesuto o kaeshimasu' (I'm returning your tests). This usage implies returning the physical paper to the student after the teacher has finished with it. In a more casual setting, among friends, you'll hear it when someone borrows a small amount of money for a vending machine or a lunch: 'Ashita kaesu ne' (I'll pay you back tomorrow). The informality of 'kaesu' here highlights the trust between friends.

Library Context: 'Henkyaku' is formal, but 'kaesu' is used in daily conversation by patrons and staff.

この本、明日かえしに行きます。(I'm going to return this book tomorrow.)

In the business world, 'kaesu' appears in discussions about loans, equipment, and even responses to inquiries. While 'henkyaku' or 'henkin' are used in official documents, a manager might tell an employee, 'Kono shiryou, tsukattara sugu ni kaeshite' (Return these documents as soon as you're done using them). In customer service, if a customer is unhappy with a product, the staff might discuss 'o-kane o kaesu' (returning the money/refunding). Another interesting place you'll hear 'kaesu' is in sports or games. If a player hits a ball back, it's 'uchikaesu' (打ち返す). In a conversation, if someone makes a witty remark and the other person responds in kind, it's 'iikaesu'. These variations show how 'kaesu' is embedded in the reactive nature of Japanese social and physical interactions.

Social Rituals: Okaeshi (the noun) is vital for gift-giving culture, ensuring no favor goes unreciprocated.

お釣り、300円のおかえしです。(Here is your 300 yen change.)

You will also encounter 'kaesu' in media and literature, often in the context of revenge or justice. 'Fukushuu o kaesu' (returning revenge) or 'shikaesu' (to get back at someone) are common tropes in dramas. On a more positive note, 'on-gaeshi' (repaying a debt of gratitude) is a popular theme in Japanese folklore, such as 'Tsuru no Ongaeshi' (The Crane's Return of a Favor). In these stories, 'kaesu' is the moral climax where a character finally fulfills their duty. Even in modern anime, characters might shout 'Kaesite morau zo!' (I'm taking it back!) during a conflict. Whether it's the mundane act of returning a pen or the profound act of repaying a life-saving favor, 'kaesu' is the verb that describes the closing of a loop in Japanese narrative and daily life.

Idiomatic Hearing: 'Ten o kaesu' (turning things over) or 'Tenchi o kaesu' (turning heaven and earth/overturning everything).

恩をかえすのは日本人の美徳です。(Repaying favors is a Japanese virtue.)

借りたものはちゃんとかえしましょう。(Let's make sure to return what we borrowed.)

先生がテストをかえしてくれました。(The teacher returned the test to me.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with かえす (返す) is confusing it with the phonetically similar verb kaeru. There are actually three common 'kaeru' verbs: 帰る (to go home), 変える (to change), and 返る (to be returned). Beginners often say 'Uchi ni kaeshimasu' when they mean 'I'm going home' (Uchi ni kaerimasu). Remember: 'kaesu' is something you do TO an object. You return a book, you don't 'return' yourself home in this way. Another common error is mixing up 'kaesu' (transitive) and '返る' (intransitive). You use 'kaesu' when you are the one doing the returning: 'Watashi wa hon o kaesu.' You use '返る' when something returns on its own or the focus is on the object: 'Hon ga tana ni kaeru' (The book returns to the shelf). Mixing these up can make your Japanese sound unnatural or confusing regarding who is performing the action.

Confusion Pair 1: Kaesu (Return something) vs. Kaeru (Go home). Kanji: 返す vs 帰る.

❌ 私は5時に家にかえします。
✅ 私は5時に家にかえります。

Another mistake involves the particle 'ni'. Learners sometimes use 'o' for the person they are returning the item to. For example, 'Tomodachi o hon o kaesu' is incorrect. It must be 'Tomodachi ni hon o kaesu.' The person receiving the item is the destination, hence 'ni'. Additionally, some learners forget that 'kaesu' is a Godan verb and try to conjugate it like an Ichidan verb (e.g., saying 'kaete' instead of 'kaeshite'). While 'kaete' is a valid word, it comes from 'kaeru' (to change or to go home), which completely changes the meaning of your sentence. If you say 'Hon o kaete kudasai,' you are asking someone to 'change the book' (perhaps for a different one), not to 'return the book.' This distinction is vital for clear communication in shops or libraries.

Confusion Pair 2: Kaesu (Return something) vs. Modosu (Put something back). 'Modosu' is for putting things back in their place, 'Kaesu' is for returning to an owner.

❌ 辞書を友達にもどしました。
✅ 辞書を友達にかえしました。

Lastly, learners often struggle with the social nuances of 'kaesu'. In Japan, returning something often requires a certain level of politeness. Simply handing an object back and saying 'Kaesu' can be seen as blunt or rude depending on the relationship. Using 'kaeshimasu' or adding a 'thank you' (arigatou) is essential. Also, when returning a favor, using the verb 'kaesu' directly ('On o kaesu') can sometimes sound a bit dramatic or like a line from a movie. In everyday life, people prefer 'okaeshi o suru' or simply 'rei o suru' (to thank/repay). Understanding these subtle shifts in register will help you avoid sounding like a textbook and more like a natural speaker. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'kaesu' in different social circles to get a feel for its appropriate weight and tone.

Conjugation Error: Don't say 'kaerimasu' for 'kaeshimasu'. The 'shi' is the marker of the transitive 'return' verb.

❌ 本をかえてください。(Please change the book.)
✅ 本をかえしてください。(Please return the book.)

❌ 友達を傘をかえしました。
✅ 友達に傘をかえしました。

❌ お金をかえりたいです。
✅ お金をかえしたいです。

While かえす (返す) is the general term for returning, several other words overlap in meaning, each with its own specific context. The most common synonym is もどす (戻す). While 'kaesu' focuses on returning something to its owner, 'modosu' focuses on putting something back in its original location or state. For example, if you take a book off a shelf and put it back, you use 'modosu'. If you borrow that book from a friend and give it back to them, you use 'kaesu'. Another related term is 返却する (henkyaku suru). This is a formal, Sino-Japanese (kango) version of 'kaesu'. You will see it on signs at libraries or rental shops. It is rarely used in casual conversation but is standard in formal announcements or written instructions.

Kaesu vs. Modosu: Kaesu = Return to owner (Ownership focus). Modosu = Put back in place (Location focus).

使った道具を元の場所にもどしてください。(Please put the tools you used back in their original place.)

For returning money specifically, 返金する (henkin suru) and 払い戻す (haraimodosu) are used. 'Henkin suru' is a general term for refunding, while 'haraimodosu' is often used for ticket refunds or getting money back from a machine. If you are 'repaying' a loan, 返済する (hensai suru) is the technical term used by banks. In the context of responding to someone, 答える (kotaeru) means 'to answer,' whereas 'kaesu' in 'kotoba o kaesu' implies a more reactive or defensive response. Another interesting word is 譲る (yuzuru), which means to hand over or give up something to someone else. While not a direct synonym for returning, it involves the transfer of an object, but usually without the 'back to the original' nuance of 'kaesu'.

Formal vs. Casual: Casual: Kaesu | Formal/Written: Henkyaku suru | Money: Henkin/Hensai.

チケットの代金をはらいもどしました。(I got a refund for the ticket price.)

Finally, consider 復旧する (fukkyuu suru), which means to restore a system or service to its original state (like power or internet). While 'kaesu' restores an object to an owner, 'fukkyuu' restores a state of being. In the realm of favors, 報いる (mukuiru) is a more literary way to say 'to reward' or 'to repay' someone's efforts. It carries a heavier, more significant emotional weight than the everyday 'kaesu'. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that best fits the social context and the specific nature of what is being 'returned'. Whether it's a physical item, a sum of money, or a social obligation, Japanese has a precise term to describe the act of restoration. By comparing 'kaesu' with 'modosu', 'henkyaku', and 'henkin', you can navigate both casual and formal situations with greater accuracy and confidence.

Comparison Summary: Kaesu: General/Owner | Modosu: Place | Henkyaku: Formal | Henkin: Money.

本をへんきゃくする期限が過ぎています。(The deadline to return the book has passed.)

恩師にむくいるために成功したい。(I want to succeed to repay my teacher.)

計画を白紙にもどす。(To return the plan to a blank slate/start over.)

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

本をかえします。

I will return the book.

Simple polite form (masu-form).

ペンをかえしてください。

Please return the pen.

Te-form + kudasai for requests.

明日、かえします。

I will return it tomorrow.

Time adverb 'ashita' with future intent.

これをかえしますか？

Will you return this?

Question form.

図書館に本をかえしました。

I returned the book to the library.

Past tense (mashita-form).

お金をかえさないでください。

Please don't return the money.

Negative te-form (nai de kudasai).

友達にかえします。

I will return it to my friend.

Particle 'ni' for the recipient.

ノートをかえして。

Return the notebook (casual).

Casual te-form request.

借りた傘をかえさなければなりません。

I must return the borrowed umbrella.

Must do (~nakereba narimasen).

このDVDはいつかえせばいいですか？

When should I return this DVD?

Conditional 'ba' + ii (should I).

昨日、友達にお金をかえしました。

I returned the money to my friend yesterday.

Past tense with specific time 'kinou'.

忘れないで、本をかえしてね。

Don't forget, return the book, okay?

Sentence ending particle 'ne' for confirmation.

まだかえしていません。

I haven't returned it yet.

Present perfect negative (te-imasen).

早くかえしたほうがいいですよ。

It's better to return it quickly.

Advice form (~ta hou ga ii).

消しゴムをかえしてくれました。

He/she returned the eraser to me.

Benefactive 'te-kureta'.

これをかえしに来ました。

I came to return this.

Purpose of movement (stem + ni kuru).

借りた恩は必ずかえします。

I will surely repay the favor I owe.

Abstract object 'on' (favor).

メールの返事をすぐにかえすべきです。

You should return a reply to the email immediately.

Should do (~beki desu).

彼は何度も同じ質問をくりかえした。

He repeated the same question many times.

Compound verb 'kurikaesu'.

忙しくて、本をかえしに行けませんでした。

I was busy and couldn't go to return the book.

Potential negative past (enai -> emasen deshita).

もし明日かえせたら、かえします。

If I can return it tomorrow, I will.

Conditional 'tara' with potential form.

彼女にひどいことを言われたが、言いかえさなかった。

She said something mean to me, but I didn't talk back.

Compound verb 'iikaesu' in negative.

この本は来週までにかえすように言われました。

I was told to return this book by next week.

Passive voice with 'you ni iu'.

お返しに何かプレゼントをしましょう。

Let's give a present in return.

Noun form 'okaeshi' used as a purpose.

投資した資金を利子をつけてかえす。

Return the invested funds with interest.

Financial context.

受けた恩を仇でかえすようなことはしたくない。

I don't want to do something like returning evil for a favor received.

Idiomatic expression 'on o ada de kaesu'.

彼は道を間違えたことに気づき、すぐに引きかえした。

He realized he took the wrong path and immediately turned back.

Compound verb 'hikikaesu'.

借金をかえし終えるのに5年かかった。

It took five years to finish repaying the debt.

Verb stem + oeru (finish doing).

失礼な態度をとられたので、やりかえしてしまった。

I was treated rudely, so I ended up retaliating.

Compound verb 'yarikaesu' with 'te-shimau'.

この恩は一生かけてかえすつもりだ。

I intend to spend my whole life repaying this favor.

Intention form 'tsumori'.

借りたものは元の状態にしてかえすべきだ。

Borrowed items should be returned in their original condition.

State description with 'shite'.

言葉をかえすようですが、その意見には反対です。

I don't mean to talk back, but I disagree with that opinion.

Polite retort 'kotoba o kaesu'.

手のひらをかえすように態度が変わった。

His attitude changed suddenly, like flipping over one's palm.

Idiom 'te no hira o kaesu'.

自然から奪ったものを自然にかえすべき時が来た。

The time has come to return to nature what we have taken from it.

Philosophical/Environmental context.

そのボクサーは強烈なパンチを打ちかえした。

The boxer hit back with a powerful punch.

Physical compound 'uchikaesu'.

彼は沈黙をもってその問いにかえした。

He responded to that question with silence.

Abstract response.

歴史を白紙にかえすことはできない。

We cannot return history to a blank slate.

Metaphorical usage.

借りた恩を十倍にしてかえすのが彼の流儀だ。

It is his style to return a favor tenfold.

Quantifier 'juubai ni shite'.

波が寄せてはかえす様子を眺めていた。

I was watching the waves as they came in and went back out.

Natural cycle description.

彼はその侮辱を冷笑でかえした。

He returned that insult with a sneer.

Emotional response.

恩を仇でかえす背信行為は許されない。

The act of betrayal, returning evil for good, is unforgivable.

High-level vocabulary 'haishin koui'.

天地をかえすような大改革が必要だ。

A major reform that would overturn heaven and earth is necessary.

Idiom 'tenchi o kaesu'.

万物は土にかえるが、人はその恩を次世代にかえすべきだ。

All things return to the earth, but humans should return their gratitude to the next generation.

Philosophical contrast between 'kaeru' and 'kaesu'.

古の知恵を現代にかえす試みがなされている。

Attempts are being made to bring ancient wisdom back to the modern age.

Abstract restoration.

彼は己の罪を善行によってかえそうと努めた。

He strove to repay his sins through good deeds.

Volitional form 'kaesou'.

その詩人は言葉の響きを静寂にかえした。

The poet returned the resonance of words to silence.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage.

借りた命を世にかえす覚悟はできている。

I am prepared to return my borrowed life to the world.

Existential context.

一矢を報いるべく、彼は渾身の力を込めて言葉をかえした。

In order to strike back, he responded with all his might.

Literary 'isshi o mukuiru'.

자주 쓰는 조합

자주 쓰는 구문

자주 혼동되는 단어

かえす vs 帰る (kaeru - to go home)

かえす vs 変える (kaeru - to change)

かえす vs 返る (kaeru - to be returned)

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かえす vs 戻す (modosu)

Modosu is about the place; Kaesu is about the owner.

かえす vs 返る (kaeru)

Kaeru is intransitive (it returns); Kaesu is transitive (you return it).

かえす vs 代える (kaeru)

Kaeru means to substitute; Kaesu means to return.

かえす vs 替える (kaeru)

Kaeru means to exchange; Kaesu means to return.

かえす vs 買える (kaeru)

Kaeru means can buy; Kaesu means to return.

문장 패턴

사용법

kanji usage

Always use 返 for returning/answering.

social weight

Implies a completed obligation.

transitive focus

Always requires an agent and an object.

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팁

Particle Check

Always remember the 'ni' particle for the person you are returning the item to. 'Tomodachi ni kaesu' is the correct pattern.

The 'Shi' Marker

In polite form, it's 'kae-SHI-masu'. This 'shi' helps you remember it's a transitive action verb, unlike 'kaerimasu'.

The Gift of Return

When someone gives you a gift, remember the concept of 'okaeshi'. It's not just about the item, but about returning the kindness.

Directional Logic

Think of 'kaesu' as an arrow pointing away from you. You are the one moving the object back to its source.

Polite Requests

When asking for something back, 'kaeshite kudasai' is standard. For a softer touch, use 'kaeshite moraemasu ka?'

Kanji Practice

The kanji 返 is very common. Practice writing it alongside 'henji' (reply) to see how the 'return' meaning carries over.

Context Clues

If you hear 'toshokan' (library) or 'kariru' (borrow), 'kaesu' is almost certainly the verb that will follow.

Not 'Go Home'

Never use 'kaesu' for your own movement to your house. That is 'kaeru'. 'Kaesu' needs an object like a book or money.

Compound Power

Learn 'kurikaesu' (repeat) early. It's one of the most useful compound verbs in Japanese and uses the 'kaesu' logic.

Repaying Favors

Using 'on o kaesu' shows a deep understanding of Japanese values. It's a powerful phrase to use when someone has helped you significantly.

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어원

The kanji combines the 'road/movement' radical (辶) with 'anti/opposite' (反), suggesting moving back in the opposite direction.

문화적 맥락

Promptly returning documents or equipment shows reliability (shinrai).

The story 'Tsuru no Ongaeshi' is the most famous example of the return-of-favor theme.

Okaeshi is mandatory for weddings and births.

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"いつ本をかえしますか？"

"お返しは何がいいですか？"

"借りたお金をかえしましたか？"

"このDVD、かえしてくれますか？"

"恩返しをしたい人はいますか？"

일기 주제

今日、誰かに何かをかえしましたか？

最近、どんな恩返しをしましたか？

図書館の本をかえすのを忘れたことがありますか？

友達に何をかえさなければなりませんか？

お返しをもらって嬉しかったことは何ですか？

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10 질문

No, that is a common mistake. To go home, use 'kaeru' (帰る). 'Kaesu' is only for returning objects or favors to someone else. If you say 'Uchi ni kaeshimasu', it sounds like you are returning an object to your house, not yourself going there.

The main difference is focus. 'Kaesu' focuses on returning something to its rightful owner (person-to-person). 'Modosu' focuses on putting something back in its original physical location (object-to-place). For example, you 'kaesu' a book to a friend, but you 'modosu' a salt shaker to the cupboard.

Yes, but 'henkyaku suru' is much more formal. It is a Sino-Japanese word (kango) used in writing, signs, and formal announcements. In daily conversation, 'kaesu' is the natural choice. You would see 'henkyaku' at a library drop-box, but you would say 'kaesu' to your friend.

You can say 'on o kaesu' (恩を返す) or more commonly 'on-gaeshi o suru' (恩返しをする). This is a very important concept in Japanese culture, representing the act of showing gratitude through a return action or gift.

It is a compound verb meaning 'to talk back' or 'to retort'. It combines 'iu' (to say) and 'kaesu' (to return). It implies returning words to someone who said something to you, often in a defensive or argumentative way.

Yes, 'okane o kaesu' is the standard way to say 'to pay someone back' or 'to return money'. For more formal financial contexts like bank loans, 'hensai suru' is used, and for refunds, 'henkin suru' is used.

'Okaeshi' is the noun form of 'kaesu' with an honorific 'o'. It refers to a return gift or a gesture made to thank someone for a gift or favor they previously gave you. It is a vital part of Japanese social etiquette.

Since 'kaesu' is a Godan verb, you change the final 'su' to 'se' and add 'ru'. So, 'kaesu' becomes 'kaeseru' (can return). For example, 'Ashita kaeserimasu' means 'I can return it tomorrow.'

Yes, it's often used in compound verbs. For example, in tennis or baseball, 'uchikaesu' (打ち返す) means to hit the ball back. It follows the same logic of 'returning' the action to the sender.

This is a common idiom that literally means 'to flip the palm of one's hand'. It is used to describe someone who suddenly and completely changes their attitude or opinion, usually in a way that feels treacherous or inconsistent.