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वापस करना

A2 verb #1,800 most common 9 min read

वापस करना

vapas karna Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips वापस करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation वापस करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'वापस करना' (vapas karna) is introduced as a basic action verb meaning 'to give back'. Learners at this stage should focus on simple present and imperative forms. For example, 'यह वापस करो' (Return this). The focus is on physical objects like pens, books, or toys. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that 'vapas' means 'back' and 'karna' means 'to do'. It's a useful word for basic social interactions, like borrowing a pencil from a classmate. You will mostly use it in short sentences. Understanding that it requires an object is the first step. For example, 'किताब वापस करो' (Return the book). At this level, you might not use the 'ne' postposition correctly in the past tense, but people will still understand you if you say 'Main kitaab vapas kiya'. However, try to learn the basic phrase 'Vapas dena' as well, as it is often used interchangeably in very simple Hindi.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'वापस करना' in more varied tenses, including the simple past and future. This is where you encounter the 'ne' rule: 'मैंने पैसे वापस किए' (I returned the money). You should also start using the compound form 'वापस कर देना' (vapas kar dena), which sounds more natural. At A2, you are expected to handle basic shopping scenarios, such as returning a faulty item. You might say, 'मुझे यह शर्ट वापस करनी है' (I need to return this shirt). You also learn the difference between 'vapas karna' (to return something) and 'vapas aana' (to come back). This distinction is vital to avoid basic errors. You should be able to ask questions like 'आप मेरी साइकिल कब वापस करेंगे?' (When will you return my bicycle?). The focus is on practical, everyday utility and basic grammatical correctness in common tenses.

At the B1 level, you use 'वापस करना' in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences and modal verbs. For example, 'अगर वह मेरी किताब वापस नहीं करेगा, तो मैं उसे फिर से कुछ नहीं दूँगा' (If he doesn't return my book, I won't give him anything again). You also start to use the verb in abstract contexts, such as returning a favor (ehsan vapas karna) or returning a greeting. Your understanding of the 'ne' rule should be solid, and you should correctly agree the verb with the object's gender and number. You might also encounter the passive voice: 'पैसे वापस कर दिए गए हैं' (The money has been returned). At this stage, you can distinguish between 'vapas karna' and its more formal synonym 'lautana' and choose the appropriate one based on the context, such as a formal letter versus a casual conversation.

At the B2 level, 'वापस करना' is used fluently in professional and academic contexts. You understand the nuances of using auxiliary verbs like 'देना' or 'लेना' to change the direction or intent of the return. You can use the verb in complex narratives and arguments. For instance, 'कंपनी को ग्राहकों का भरोसा वापस करना होगा' (The company will have to return/earn back the customers' trust). Here, the meaning shifts slightly toward 'restoring'. You are comfortable with all moods, including the subjunctive: 'शायद उसने पैसे वापस कर दिए हों' (Perhaps he has returned the money). You also recognize idiomatic uses and can handle situations involving complex refunds, legal returns, or historical 'returning' of land or rights. Your speech is natural, and you use 'vapas karna' without thinking about the underlying grammar.

At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of 'वापस करना' and its place within the broader system of Hindi compound verbs. You can use it to express subtle emotional or philosophical ideas. You might use it in literary analysis or political discourse, such as 'उपनिवेशवाद के दौरान लूटी गई कलाकृतियों को वापस करना एक नैतिक अनिवार्यता है' (Returning artifacts looted during colonialism is a moral imperative). You understand the historical etymology of 'vapas' (from Persian) and how it integrated into Hindi. You can switch effortlessly between 'vapas karna', 'lautana', and more obscure synonyms like 'punah-sthapit karna' (to restore/re-establish) depending on the desired register. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including the use of subtle intonation to convey sarcasm or urgency when asking for something back.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'वापस करना' is absolute. You can use it in highly specialized fields such as law, classical literature, or advanced philosophy. You might explore the concept of 'returning' in a metaphysical sense, such as returning to one's roots or the soul returning to its source. You can appreciate and use the verb in complex wordplay, puns, or poetic structures. You are also aware of regional variations and archaic forms that might appear in historical texts. You can critique the usage of the verb in others' writing and provide nuanced corrections. For you, 'वापस करना' is not just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool that can be bent to suit any possible communicative need, from the most mundane to the most sublime.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

वापस करना in 30 Seconds

वापस करना (vapas karna) means 'to return' or 'to give back' something borrowed or received.
It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object (the thing being returned).
In the past tense, it follows the 'ne' rule, agreeing with the object's gender and number.
Commonly used for physical items (books, money) and abstract concepts (favors, respect).

The Hindi verb वापस करना (vapas karna) is a fundamental compound verb used to describe the action of returning an object, a favor, or even a sentiment to its original owner or source. It is composed of the adverb 'वापस' (vapas), meaning 'back' or 'return', and the helper verb 'करना' (karna), meaning 'to do'. Together, they function as a transitive verb, requiring both a subject (the person returning) and an object (the thing being returned). In the landscape of Hindi vocabulary, this word is indispensable for daily transactions, social etiquette, and legal contexts.

Literal Meaning: To perform the act of returning; to give back.
Grammatical Category: Transitive Compound Verb (Sakarmak Sanyukt Kriya).

मैंने पुस्तकालय की किताबें वापस कर दीं। (I returned the library books.)

Understanding 'वापस करना' involves recognizing its versatility. While it primarily refers to physical items like books, money, or borrowed tools, it also extends to abstract concepts. For instance, if someone gives you respect, you 'return' that respect (samman vapas karna). In a commercial sense, if a product is faulty, the customer will 'vapas karna' the item to the shopkeeper. It is different from 'वापस आना' (vapas aana), which means 'to come back' (intransitive), a common point of confusion for beginners.

क्या आप मेरा पेन वापस करेंगे? (Will you return my pen?)

In formal Hindi, you might encounter 'लौटाना' (lautana) as a synonym. However, 'वापस करना' remains the most common choice in spoken, colloquial, and standard Hindi across India. It bridges the gap between formal and informal registers perfectly. Whether you are at a high-end retail store in Delhi or a local market in Mumbai, 'वापस करना' is the phrase that will be understood by everyone. It carries a sense of completion—the cycle of borrowing or receiving is finished once the item is returned.

उसने उधार लिए हुए पैसे वापस कर दिए। (He returned the borrowed money.)

Contextual Usage: Used in retail, banking, personal favors, and library settings.

दुकानदार ने खराब सामान वापस करने से मना कर दिया। (The shopkeeper refused to return/take back the faulty goods.)

To master this word, one must also learn its conjugation. Since 'करना' is the active part, it changes based on tense, gender, and number. For example: 'करता हूँ' (present masculine), 'करती हूँ' (present feminine), 'किया' (past), 'करूँगा' (future). The word 'वापस' remains constant. This stability makes it an easy verb for A2 learners to integrate into their active vocabulary without worrying about complex internal stem changes.

कृपया यह फॉर्म भरकर वापस करें। (Please fill out this form and return it.)

Using वापस करना correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's ergative structure in the past tense. Because it is a transitive verb (it takes an object), when you use it in the simple past, perfect, or past perfect tenses, the subject is followed by the postposition 'ने' (ne), and the verb agrees with the object, not the subject. This is a crucial grammatical hurdle for A2 and B1 learners.

Structure 1: Simple Present: [Subject] [Object] वापस करता/करती है। (Subject returns the object.)

वह हर चीज़ समय पर वापस करता है। (He returns everything on time.)

In the future tense, the construction is straightforward: [Subject] [Object] वापस करेगा/करेगी. This is often used when making promises or setting deadlines. For example, 'मैं कल आपकी कार वापस कर दूँगा' (I will return your car tomorrow). Notice the addition of 'दूँगा' (from देना - to give). In Hindi, compound verbs often use 'देना' as an auxiliary to indicate that the action is performed for someone else's benefit or to show completion.

When dealing with the past tense, remember the 'ने' rule. If you returned a book (feminine), you say 'मैंने किताब वापस की' (Maine kitaab vapas ki). If you returned a pen (masculine), you say 'मैंने पेन वापस किया' (Maine pen vapas kiya). This agreement with the object is what makes 'वापस करना' a great practice verb for mastering Hindi's unique syntax.

क्या आपने मेरी चाबियाँ वापस कर दीं? (Did you return my keys?)

Imperative Form: वापस करो (Informal), वापस कीजिए (Formal), वापस कर (Very informal/Intimate).

कृपया मेरा सामान वापस कीजिए। (Please return my belongings.)

Another nuance is the use of 'वापस करना' in the sense of 'refunding'. In a shop, if you want your money back, you might say 'पैसे वापस कीजिए' (Return the money). If the shopkeeper is returning the money to you, they are 'paisa vapas kar rahe hain'. This commercial application is perhaps the most frequent use of the verb in urban India.

टिकट के पैसे वापस नहीं किए जाएँगे। (Ticket money will not be returned/refunded.)

Finally, consider the negative construction. To say 'do not return', you place 'नहीं' (nahi) before the verb: 'वापस नहीं करना'. In the past tense, it becomes 'वापस नहीं किया'. Mastering these variations allows the speaker to navigate social obligations—like returning a borrowed umbrella—with grammatical precision and cultural appropriateness.

उसने मेरा फ़ोन अभी तक वापस नहीं किया है। (He has not returned my phone yet.)

You will encounter वापस करना in a variety of everyday settings across the Hindi-speaking world. Its presence is felt most strongly in places of commerce, public service, and social interaction. Whether you are watching a Bollywood movie where a hero returns a stolen item or you are at a local 'Kirana' store returning a glass bottle, this verb is the linguistic thread connecting these experiences.

The Marketplace: Commonly used when returning defective goods or getting a refund.

साहब, यह कमीज़ छोटी है, इसे वापस करना है। (Sir, this shirt is small; I need to return it.)

In libraries (pustakalaya), the sign 'किताबें यहाँ वापस करें' (Return books here) is a standard sight. Similarly, in banks or when dealing with loans (rin), the term 'karz vapas karna' (returning a debt) is frequently used in both formal documents and casual conversations about finances. It implies a moral and legal obligation to give back what was taken.

In Indian cinema and television dramas, the phrase is often used emotionally. A character might say, 'मेरी खुशियाँ वापस कर दो' (Give me back my happiness) or 'मेरा समय वापस करो' (Return my time). These abstract uses highlight the verb's ability to carry heavy emotional weight, moving beyond just physical objects into the realm of feelings and life experiences.

क्या तुम मेरा प्यार वापस कर सकते हो? (Can you return my love? - Melodramatic context)

Public Announcements: Heard at airports or stations regarding lost and found items.

लावारिस वस्तुओं को पुलिस को वापस करें। (Return unclaimed items to the police.)

Socially, if you borrow a neighbor's 'kadhai' (wok) or a lawnmower, the expectation of 'vapas karna' is central to maintaining 'padosi dharma' (the duty of a neighbor). Failing to return items is a common trope in Indian comedy sketches, where one neighbor constantly avoids 'vapas karna' the borrowed items, leading to humorous conflicts.

पड़ोसी ने अभी तक मेरी सीढ़ी वापस नहीं की। (The neighbor hasn't returned my ladder yet.)

In schools and colleges, students frequently use this verb when borrowing notes or pens. 'कल पक्का वापस कर दूँगा' (I will definitely return it tomorrow) is perhaps the most common promise made in a classroom. It reflects the collaborative and sharing-based culture prevalent in Indian educational institutions.

नोट्स पढ़ने के बाद वापस कर देना। (Return the notes after reading.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing वापस करना (vapas karna) with वापस आना (vapas aana). While they look similar, their meanings are fundamentally different. 'Vapas karna' is transitive (you return something), whereas 'vapas aana' is intransitive (you yourself come back). Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'I returned to the store' vs 'I returned the store'.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Vapas Aana': Incorrect: मैं घर वापस किया। (I returned home - Wrong). Correct: मैं घर वापस आया। (I came back home).

गलत: उसने बाज़ार वापस किया। (He returned the market? - Nonsense). सही: वह बाज़ार से वापस आया। (He came back from the market.)

Another common pitfall is the incorrect use of the 'ने' (ne) postposition in the past tense. Since 'vapas karna' is transitive, the subject must take 'ne'. Beginners often forget this and say 'वह किताब वापस किया' instead of the correct 'उसने किताब वापस की'. Remember, the verb must also agree with the gender of the object (kitab is feminine, so 'ki').

Learners also struggle with the distinction between 'वापस करना' and 'लौटाना' (lautana). While they are synonyms, 'lautana' is a single verb, whereas 'vapas karna' is a compound. Sometimes learners try to combine them into 'vapas lautana', which is redundant (like saying 'return back' in English). Use one or the other, but not both together.

गलत: उसने मुझे पैसे वापस लौटाए। (Redundant). सही: उसने मुझे पैसे वापस किए OR उसने मुझे पैसे लौटाए।

Mistake 2: Object Agreement: Incorrect: मैंने चिट्ठी वापस किया। (Chitthi is feminine). Correct: मैंने चिट्ठी वापस की।

गलत: क्या तुमने चाबी वापस किया? (Key is feminine). सही: क्या तुमने चाबी वापस की?

Finally, avoid using 'वापस करना' when you mean 'to reply'. In English, we 'return a call', but in Hindi, you 'phone ka jawab dena' (give an answer to the phone) or 'vapas phone karna' (call back). Saying 'phone vapas karna' might be understood as physically returning the handset to someone. Context is key to avoiding these semantic slips.

सही उपयोग: मैं आपको थोड़ी देर में वापस फ़ोन करता हूँ। (I will call you back in a while.)

To truly enrich your Hindi vocabulary, it is helpful to compare वापस करना with its synonyms and related terms. While 'vapas karna' is the workhorse of the language, other words offer different shades of formality and specific meanings.

लौटाना (Lautana): This is the direct synonym. It is a single transitive verb. It sounds slightly more formal or literary than 'vapas karna'. Use it in writing or formal speeches.
दे देना (De Dena): Literally 'to give away'. In the context of borrowing, it can mean 'to give back'. It is very casual. 'Mera pen de do' (Give [back] my pen).

तुलना: उसने मेरी किताब लौटा दी। (More formal) vs उसने मेरी किताब वापस कर दी। (Standard/Common).

Another related term is 'पुनः देना' (Punah dena), which is very formal and Sanskritized, meaning 'to give again/return'. You will almost never hear this in conversation, but you might see it in high-level academic or legal texts. For most learners, 'vapas karna' remains the most practical and widely understood term.

It's also important to distinguish 'वापस करना' from 'बदलना' (badalna - to change/exchange). If you take a shirt back to a shop to get a different size, you are 'badalna' (exchanging) it. If you take it back to get your money back, you are 'vapas karna' (returning) it. Using the wrong one might lead the shopkeeper to offer you a replacement instead of a refund.

क्या मैं यह शर्ट बदल सकता हूँ? (Can I exchange this shirt?) vs क्या मैं यह शर्ट वापस कर सकता हूँ? (Can I return this shirt?)

मोड़ना (Modna): In some dialects, 'modna' (to turn/fold) is used colloquially to mean 'to return' (especially money). 'Paisa mod do' (Return the money). This is very regional.

क्षेत्रीय प्रयोग: उसने मेरे पैसे मोड़ दिए। (He returned my money - Colloquial/Regional).

By understanding these synonyms, you can tailor your speech to the situation. Use 'vapas karna' for 90% of your needs, 'lautana' when you want to sound elegant, and 'badalna' when you specifically want an exchange. This nuance is what separates a basic speaker from a proficient one.

अंतिम सुझाव: वापस करना सबसे सुरक्षित और सबसे अधिक इस्तेमाल किया जाने वाला शब्द है। (Final tip: 'Vapas karna' is the safest and most used word.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Ergative case (ne rule)

Compound verbs with 'dena'

Direct and Indirect objects

Infinitive as a noun (vapas karna achhi aadat hai)

Imperative moods

Examples by Level

यह पेन वापस करो।

Return this pen.

Imperative form (informal).

मैं किताब वापस करता हूँ।

I return the book.

Present simple tense.

क्या आप पैसे वापस करेंगे?

Will you return the money?

Future tense (formal).

मेरी गेंद वापस दो।

Give back my ball.

Using 'vapas do' (give back) as a variant.

वह खिलौना वापस कर रहा है।

He is returning the toy.

Present continuous tense.

कृपया मेरा छाता वापस कीजिए।

Please return my umbrella.

Polite imperative.

मैंने पेंसिल वापस की।

I returned the pencil.

Past tense; verb agrees with feminine 'pencil'.

इसे वापस मत करना।

Don't return this.

Negative imperative.

मैंने कल पुस्तकालय की किताबें वापस कर दीं।

I returned the library books yesterday.

Past tense with 'ne'; verb agrees with feminine plural 'kitabein'.

क्या दुकानदार ने पैसे वापस किए?

Did the shopkeeper return the money?

Interrogative past tense.

मुझे यह खराब फ़ोन वापस करना है।

I have to return this broken phone.

Use of 'vapas karna hai' for obligation.

वह अगले हफ्ते आपकी कार वापस कर देगा।

He will return your car next week.

Future tense with auxiliary 'dena'.

क्या आपने मेरी चाबियाँ वापस कर दी हैं?

Have you returned my keys?

Present perfect tense.

मैं यह तोहफा वापस नहीं कर सकता।

I cannot return this gift.

Use of 'sakta' (can).

उसने मेरा बैग वापस कर दिया।

He returned my bag.

Simple past with 'kar diya'.

जल्दी वापस करना, मुझे इसकी ज़रूरत है।

Return it quickly, I need it.

Imperative with an adverb 'jaldi'.

अगर आप समय पर पैसे वापस नहीं करेंगे, तो जुर्माना लगेगा।

If you don't return the money on time, a fine will be charged.

Conditional sentence.

उसने वादा किया था कि वह मेरी साइकिल वापस कर देगा।

He had promised that he would return my bicycle.

Reported speech with past perfect.

क्या आपको लगता है कि वह आपका एहसान वापस करेगा?

Do you think he will return your favor?

Abstract use of the verb.

सामान वापस करने की प्रक्रिया बहुत कठिन है।

The process of returning the goods is very difficult.

Gerundial use (vapas karne ki).

मैंने उसे अपनी पुरानी किताबें वापस करने के लिए कहा।

I asked him to return my old books.

Infinitive with 'ke liye'.

शायद उसने अभी तक सामान वापस नहीं किया होगा।

Perhaps he hasn't returned the items yet.

Presumptive perfect tense.

वह हमेशा उधार ली हुई चीज़ें वापस करना भूल जाता है।

He always forgets to return borrowed things.

Habitual present.

टिकट वापस करने पर आपको पूरा रिफंड मिलेगा।

Upon returning the ticket, you will get a full refund.

Postposition 'par' with the infinitive.

कंपनी ने सभी दोषपूर्ण उत्पादों को वापस करने का निर्णय लिया है।

The company has decided to recall (return) all defective products.

Formal business context.

क्या सरकार को यह ज़मीन किसानों को वापस नहीं करनी चाहिए?

Shouldn't the government return this land to the farmers?

Modal 'chahiye' in a complex question.

उसने अपनी गलती मानी और चुराया हुआ धन वापस कर दिया।

He admitted his mistake and returned the stolen money.

Compound sentence with past tense.

भले ही वह गरीब है, वह हमेशा दूसरों का हक वापस करता है।

Even though he is poor, he always returns what belongs to others.

Concessive clause (bhale hi).

जैसे ही उसने चाबियाँ वापस कीं, मुझे राहत मिली।

As soon as he returned the keys, I felt relieved.

Correlative structure (jaise hi... vaise hi).

बैंक ने ऋण वापस करने की अवधि बढ़ा दी है।

The bank has extended the period for returning the loan.

Financial terminology.

उसने अपनी सारी संपत्ति ट्रस्ट को वापस कर दी।

He returned all his property to the trust.

Formal transitive use.

हमें प्रकृति से जो लिया है, उसे वापस करना होगा।

We must return what we have taken from nature.

Philosophical/Environmental context.

संग्रहालय ने प्राचीन मूर्तियों को उनके मूल देश को वापस करने की घोषणा की।

The museum announced the return of ancient statues to their country of origin.

High-level formal announcement.

लोकतंत्र में सत्ता को जनता को वापस करना ही असली जीत है।

In a democracy, returning power to the people is the real victory.

Abstract political philosophy.

लेखक ने अपनी पुरस्कार राशि विरोध स्वरूप वापस कर दी।

The author returned his prize money as a mark of protest.

Complex adverbial phrase (virodh swarup).

क्या खोया हुआ सम्मान कभी वापस किया जा सकता है?

Can lost respect ever be returned/restored?

Passive voice with 'ja sakta'.

उसने अपनी वसीयत में सारा धन दान में वापस करने का प्रावधान किया।

He made a provision in his will to return all the money to charity.

Legal terminology (vasiyat, pravdhan).

युद्ध के बाद, विस्थापितों को उनके घर वापस करना एक बड़ी चुनौती थी।

After the war, returning the displaced people to their homes was a major challenge.

Complex subject phrase.

उसने अपने गुरु का ऋण उनकी शिक्षाओं को फैलाकर वापस किया।

He returned his teacher's debt by spreading his teachings.

Metaphorical use of debt (rin).

वैज्ञानिकों का मानना है कि हमें कार्बन को मिट्टी में वापस करना होगा।

Scientists believe we must return carbon to the soil.

Scientific context.

अध्यात्म में, स्वयं को परमात्मा को वापस करना ही मोक्ष है।

In spirituality, returning oneself to the Supreme Soul is liberation.

Metaphysical/Philosophical context.

ऐतिहासिक अन्याय को सुधारने के लिए भूमि वापस करना अनिवार्य है।

Returning land is essential to rectify historical injustices.

Advanced sociopolitical discourse.

उसने अपनी कला के माध्यम से समाज को वह सब वापस किया जो उसने सीखा था।

Through his art, he returned to society everything he had learned.

Nuanced use of 'vapas kiya'.

क्या समय के प्रवाह को वापस करना मानवीय क्षमता के बाहर है?

Is returning (reversing) the flow of time beyond human capability?

Abstract inquiry.

संधि की शर्तों के अनुसार, विजित प्रदेशों को वापस करना पड़ा।

According to the terms of the treaty, the conquered territories had to be returned.

Formal diplomatic language.

उसकी कविताएँ खोई हुई स्मृतियों को वापस करने का एक माध्यम हैं।

His poems are a medium for returning (bringing back) lost memories.

Literary metaphor.

ऋण की अदायगी न करने पर संपत्ति को वापस करने का कानूनी नोटिस मिला।

A legal notice was received to return the property upon non-payment of the debt.

Dense legal Hindi.

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र की बहाली के लिए प्रजातियों को उनके आवास में वापस करना आवश्यक है।

Returning species to their habitats is necessary for ecosystem restoration.

Technical environmental terminology.

Synonyms

लौटाना (lautana) दे देना (de dena) पुनः देना (punah dena) प्रत्यर्पित करना (pratyarpit karna) मोड़ना (modna - regional) फेरना (pherna) वापस देना (vapas dena) भुगतान करना (bhugtan karna - for money)

Antonyms

लेना (lena) उधार लेना (udhar lena) रख लेना (rakh lena) चुराना (churana)

Common Collocations

पैसे वापस करना (return money)

किताब वापस करना (return a book)

सामान वापस करना (return goods)

उधार वापस करना (return a loan)

एहसान वापस करना (return a favor)

जवाब वापस करना (return an answer/reply)

सम्मान वापस करना (return respect)

टिकट वापस करना (return a ticket)

चाबी वापस करना (return keys)

गिफ्ट वापस करना (return a gift)

Common Phrases

पैसे वापस करो! (Return the money!)

कल वापस कर दूँगा। (I will return it tomorrow.)

वापस करना भूल गया। (Forgot to return.)

जल्दी वापस करना। (Return it quickly.)

इसे वापस करना है। (This needs to be returned.)

सब कुछ वापस कर दिया। (Returned everything.)

क्या मैं इसे वापस कर सकता हूँ? (Can I return this?)

वापस करने की ज़रूरत नहीं। (No need to return.)

समय पर वापस करना। (Return on time.)

पूरा पैसा वापस करना। (Return the full amount.)

Often Confused With

वापस करना vs वापस आना (vapas aana)

To come back (intransitive) vs To return something (transitive).

वापस करना vs वापस लेना (vapas lena)

To take back vs To give back.

वापस करना vs लौटना (lautna)

To return/come back (intransitive) vs 'vapas karna' (transitive).

Idioms & Expressions

"ईंट का जवाब पत्थर से देना (Returning a blow with more force - related to 'returning')"

"एहसान का बदला चुकाना (To return a favor)"

"मुँह की खाना (To be forced to return/retreat in defeat)"

"उधार का खाया वापस करना (To pay back what is owed)"

"दूध का कर्ज चुकाना (To return the debt of a mother's milk/upbringing)"

"जैसे को तैसा (Tit for tat - returning like for like)"

"हाथ खाली वापस आना (To return empty-handed - uses 'aana')"

"पुरानी यादें वापस करना (To bring back old memories)"

"अपनी बात वापस लेना (To take back one's words - related)"

"हिसाब बराबर करना (To settle the score/return the favor)"

Easily Confused

वापस करना vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

social

Used for returning borrowed personal items.

abstract

Used for returning respect, favors, or feelings.

commercial

Used for refunds and returns of goods.

Common Mistakes

You cannot 'return' a house (unless you are giving it back to a landlord); you 'come back' to a house.
'Kitaab' is feminine, so the verb must be 'ki' in the past tense.
Redundant usage of two words with the same meaning.
Without 'phone', it sounds like you physically returned a person.
Forgot the 'ne' postposition for the subject in the past tense.

Tips

Master the 'ne' rule

Practice 'vapas karna' in the past tense with different objects. 'Maine pen (m) vapas kiya' vs 'Maine kitaab (f) vapas ki'. This is the best way to learn object agreement.

Use 'Kar Dena'

When speaking, try to say 'vapas kar do' instead of just 'vapas karo'. It sounds much more like a native speaker and flows better in conversation.

Learn Synonyms

While 'vapas karna' is great, knowing 'lautana' will help you understand formal announcements and news reports more easily.

Shopping Returns

If you are in an Indian store, use 'vapas karna' to ask for a refund. If you want an exchange, use 'badalna'. Being specific helps avoid confusion.

Returning Favors

Use 'ehsan vapas karna' when talking about social obligations. It's a powerful phrase in Indian social dynamics.

Avoid Redundancy

Never write 'vapas lautana'. It is a common mistake even among some native speakers, but it is grammatically incorrect. Stick to one word.

Listen for the Object

In the past tense, the ending of the verb tells you the gender of the object. If you hear 'vapas ki', you know the object was feminine.

Soft 'V'

The 'v' in 'vapas' is not as sharp as the English 'v'. It's halfway between a 'v' and a 'w'. Practice saying it softly.

Timely Returns

In India, returning things on time is a sign of respect. Use the phrase 'samay par vapas karna' to show you are responsible.

The 'Bowl' Rule

Culturally, if you return a borrowed bowl, it's nice to return it with some food in it. You still use 'vapas karna' for the bowl itself!

Memorize It

Word Origin

Persian 'vapas' (back) + Hindi 'karna' (to do).

Cultural Context

उधार प्रेम की कैंची है (Lending is the scissors of love - so return quickly!).

Always return borrowed books or money before being asked.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"क्या मैं यह सामान वापस कर सकता हूँ?"

"आपने मेरी किताब कब वापस की थी?"

"क्या उसने आपके पैसे वापस कर दिए?"

"मुझे पुस्तकालय की किताबें वापस करनी हैं, क्या आप चलेंगे?"

"दुकानदार पैसे वापस क्यों नहीं कर रहा?"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि आपने पिछली बार क्या वापस किया था।

अगर कोई आपकी चीज़ वापस न करे तो आपको कैसा लगता है?

क्या आपने कभी किसी का एहसान वापस किया है? कैसे?

एक कहानी लिखिए जहाँ एक जादुई चीज़ वापस करनी पड़ती है।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is standard Hindi, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very high-level literature, 'lautana' or 'pratyarpit karna' might be preferred. For daily life, 'vapas karna' is perfect.

You say 'मैंने किताब वापस की' (Maine kitaab vapas ki). Note that 'ki' is used because 'kitaab' is feminine. This is a common point of confusion for learners.

Generally, no. You don't 'return' a person unless it's a very specific context like returning a kidnapped person or a prisoner. Usually, you use 'vapas bhejna' (to send back) for people.

They are almost identical. 'Vapas dena' emphasizes the act of giving, while 'vapas karna' emphasizes the act of returning. Both are used interchangeably in casual speech.

No, 'वापस' is an adverb and remains unchanged. Only the verb 'करना' changes based on tense, gender, and number.

Yes, 'paisa vapas karna' is the standard way to say 'to refund' in a shop or business context.

No, it is redundant. It's like saying 'return back' in English. Use either 'vapas karna' or 'lautana'.

You say 'इसे वापस मत करो' (informal) or 'इसे वापस मत कीजिए' (formal).

The noun form is 'वापसी' (vapsi), which means 'return' or 'homecoming'.

The addition of 'dena' (to give) as an auxiliary verb indicates that the action is completed and directed toward someone else. It sounds more natural to native speakers.