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A1 noun #2,596 most common 9 min read

往復

ōfuku
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 往復 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 往復 in your Level:
At the A1 level, your primary goal is survival communication, and 'oufuku' (往復) is a vital survival word for navigating Japan. When you are at a train station, bus terminal, or airport, you need to know how to buy the right ticket. If you want to go somewhere and come back, you must ask for an 'oufuku kippu' (往復切符 - round-trip ticket). It is the direct opposite of 'katamichi' (片道 - one way). You don't need to worry about complex grammar at this stage. Simply saying 'Tokyo made, oufuku, ichi-mai' (To Tokyo, round trip, one ticket) is enough to be perfectly understood by the station staff. You will also see this word on the buttons of automated ticket machines. Recognizing the kanji 往復 will prevent you from accidentally buying a one-way ticket and getting stuck! Practice using it with simple verbs like 'kau' (to buy) and 'kudasai' (please give me). It is a noun, so it is very easy to plug into basic sentence structures. Memorize it as one of your top 10 essential travel words.
As you progress to the A2 level, you can start using 'oufuku' in more descriptive sentences about your daily life and routines. Instead of just buying tickets, you can now talk about how long a journey takes or how much it costs. You will use the particle 'de' to indicate the total scope of the round trip. For example, 'Oufuku de ni-jikan kakarimasu' (It takes two hours round trip) or 'Oufuku de sen-en desu' (It costs 1000 yen round trip). You can also use it to describe your daily commute to school or work. 'Mainichi, uchi to gakkou o oufuku shimasu' (I travel back and forth between home and school every day). Here, you are using it as a suru-verb (往復する). This level is all about adding detail to your basic survival Japanese. You can also start recognizing compound words like 'oufuku waribiki' (round-trip discount), which is incredibly useful for saving money on Shinkansen trips. Understanding 'oufuku' helps you describe your physical movements and manage your travel budget effectively.
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At the B1 level, your ability to plan and discuss travel becomes more sophisticated. You can use 'oufuku' in complex sentences involving travel itineraries, conditions, and planning. For instance, you might explain to a friend why you chose a certain ticket: 'Oufuku waribiki ga aru node, oufuku de katta hou ga yasui desu' (Because there is a round-trip discount, it is cheaper to buy a round trip). You will also encounter 'oufuku' in the context of correspondence, specifically 'oufuku hagaki' (round-trip postcard). You should know how to read instructions on these postcards, such as 'Please return the reply portion by the 15th.' You can also use 'oufuku' metaphorically to describe a repetitive, exhausting routine: 'Ichi-nichi ni nan-kai mo kaidan o oufuku shite tsukareta' (I'm tired from going up and down the stairs many times a day). Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'higaeri' (day trip) and you can easily distinguish when to use 'oufuku' versus 'ikikaeri' depending on the formality of the situation.
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At the B2 level, 'oufuku' is fully integrated into your professional and advanced conversational vocabulary. You can discuss business trips (shucchou) and transportation expenses (koutsuuhi) with ease. 'Shinkansen no oufuku ryoukin wa kaisha ga futan shimasu' (The company will cover the round-trip Shinkansen fare). You are comfortable reading complex travel documents, airline booking terms, and formal invitations using 'oufuku hagaki'. You can also understand and use idiomatic expressions related to travel, such as 'tonbogaeri' (a flying visit/immediate return), and contrast it with a standard 'oufuku' trip. In discussions, you can use 'oufuku' to describe the back-and-forth exchange of ideas or data. For example, 'Deeta no oufuku ni jikan ga kakaru' (It takes time for the data to travel back and forth). You are no longer just using the word for physical travel; you understand its broader application in describing reciprocal movement or exchange in various contexts, including technology and communication.
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At the C1 level, your grasp of 'oufuku' extends to highly abstract, technical, and literary contexts. You can read news articles about space exploration, such as 'Kasei e no oufuku hikou' (A round-trip flight to Mars), or technical manuals discussing network latency and 'oufuku jikan' (Round Trip Time - RTT in IT). You understand the subtle nuances between 'oufuku' and other movement-related kanji compounds. You can effortlessly write formal business emails requesting reimbursement for 'oufuku koutsuuhi' (round-trip transportation expenses) using appropriate keigo (honorifics). You can also appreciate the metaphorical use of 'oufuku' in literature, where it might describe a character's emotional journey or the back-and-forth nature of a prolonged correspondence (shokan no oufuku). Your usage is precise, and you can manipulate the word to fit complex grammatical structures without hesitation, demonstrating a near-native intuition for when 'oufuku' is the most appropriate lexical choice.
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At the C2 mastery level, 'oufuku' is a tool you use with complete native-like fluency across all possible domains—from mundane daily tasks to profound philosophical discussions. You can analyze classical texts or modern literature where 'oufuku' might symbolize the cyclical nature of life or history. You are fully capable of engaging in high-level academic or technical discourse where 'oufuku' is a key metric, such as in advanced physics or telecommunications (e.g., measuring the round-trip delay of a signal). You can play with the word rhetorically, using it to critique a politician's back-and-forth arguments or a stagnant policy that merely 'goes back and forth' without progress (tada oufuku suru dake no giron). Your understanding of the kanji 往 and 復 is absolute, allowing you to instantly comprehend and even coin new compound words if necessary. You recognize the cultural weight of the 'oufuku hagaki' in maintaining social harmony and formal relationships in Japanese society.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

往復 in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'round trip' or 'going and returning'.
  • Essential for buying train, bus, or flight tickets.
  • The direct opposite of 片道 (katamichi - one way).
  • Can be used as a verb: 往復する (oufuku suru).
The Japanese word 往復 (おうふく - oufuku) fundamentally translates to 'round trip' or 'going and returning.' To truly grasp its meaning, we must break down its kanji components. The first character, 往 (ou), carries the meaning of 'journey,' 'going,' or 'traveling toward a destination.' The second character, 復 (fuku), means 'return,' 'restore,' or 'revert.' When combined, they perfectly encapsulate the concept of a complete journey that brings you back to your starting point. This term is absolutely essential for anyone traveling in Japan, as it is heavily used in the context of public transportation, such as trains, buses, and airplanes. Understanding this word can save you time and money, especially when navigating Japan's extensive railway network.
Kanji Breakdown
往 (ou) = to go; 復 (fuku) = to return.

東京と大阪の往復切符を買いました。

Beyond just physical travel, 往復 can also refer to the exchange of correspondence. For example, an 往復はがき (oufuku hagaki) is a round-trip postcard, which includes a prepaid reply card attached to the original message. This is commonly used for formal invitations, such as weddings or class reunions, where the sender requires a confirmed RSVP.
Common Usage
Transportation and formal mail correspondence.

学校までの往復には２時間かかります。

The concept of a round trip is deeply embedded in daily Japanese life, particularly concerning the daily commute (通勤 - tsuukin) or traveling to school (通学 - tsuugaku). When people discuss their commute times, they often specify whether the time given is for a one-way trip (片道 - katamichi) or a round trip (往復).

宇宙ステーションへの往復の旅。

In more abstract or advanced contexts, 往復 can describe the back-and-forth movement of objects, data, or even arguments in a debate. However, for beginners at the A1 level, focusing on its application in buying tickets and describing travel is the most practical approach.
Antonym
片道 (katamichi) - one way.

フェリーの往復料金はいくらですか。

To summarize, 往復 is a versatile and indispensable noun in the Japanese language. Whether you are purchasing a Shinkansen ticket, sending an RSVP, or simply talking about your daily commute, mastering this word will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Japan.

毎日駅まで往復しています。

Using 往復 (oufuku) correctly in a sentence is straightforward once you understand its function as a noun that can also act as a suru-verb (往復する). When used as a standard noun, it frequently modifies other nouns to create compound words. The most common example is 往復切符 (oufuku kippu), which means 'round-trip ticket.' You will also see it in terms like 往復割引 (oufuku waribiki - round-trip discount) and 往復料金 (oufuku ryoukin - round-trip fare).
Noun Modification
Use 往復 directly before another noun, or with the particle の (no).

京都までの往復切符をください。

When used to describe the time or distance of a journey, 往復 is often followed by the particle に (ni) or は (wa). For instance, '往復で３時間かかる' (oufuku de san-jikan kakaru) means 'It takes three hours round trip.' Here, the particle で (de) indicates the scope or total condition of the action.
With Time/Distance
往復で (oufuku de) + time/distance + かかる (kakaru).

往復で５０キロあります。

As a suru-verb, 往復する (oufuku suru) means 'to make a round trip' or 'to go back and forth.' This is useful when describing the action of traveling between two points repeatedly. For example, '家と駅を往復する' (ie to eki o oufuku suru) translates to 'traveling back and forth between home and the station.'

毎日、会社と家を往復するだけの生活です。

It is also important to note the context of correspondence. The term 往復はがき (oufuku hagaki) is a specific cultural item in Japan. When you receive one, you are expected to detach the reply portion, fill it out, and send it back. You do not need to add a stamp, as the sender has already paid for the 'return' trip of the postcard.
Cultural Context
Oufuku hagaki are standard for Japanese weddings and reunions.

往復はがきで出欠を知らせてください。

In summary, whether you are using it as a simple noun to buy a ticket, combining it with 'de' to express total travel time, or using it as a verb to describe a repetitive journey, 往復 is highly adaptable. Practice using it with common verbs like 買う (kau - to buy), かかる (kakaru - to take time/money), and する (suru - to do) to build your fluency.

あのバスは市内を往復しています。

You will hear the word 往復 (oufuku) most frequently in travel and transportation hubs across Japan. Train stations, bus terminals, airports, and ferry ports are the primary locations where this word is spoken and written. When you approach a ticket counter (切符売り場 - kippu uriba) or use an automated ticket machine (券売機 - kenbaiki), the option to select between a one-way ticket (片道 - katamichi) and a round-trip ticket (往復 - oufuku) will always be prominently displayed.
Travel Hubs
Stations, airports, and travel agencies.

駅の窓口で往復乗車券を求めました。

Travel agencies (旅行会社 - ryokou gaisha) also use this term extensively when discussing tour packages, flight itineraries, and hotel bookings that include transportation. If you are booking a flight, the agent will ask if you need an 往復航空券 (oufuku koukuuken - round-trip flight ticket).
Booking Flights
Essential for international and domestic air travel.

ハワイへの往復航空券を予約した。

Another common setting is the workplace or school, particularly when discussing commutes. Colleagues might complain about the length of their commute, saying things like, 'My round trip takes three hours' (往復で３時間かかる). Employers also use the term when calculating transportation allowances (交通費 - koutsuuhi), which are typically paid to employees to cover their daily round-trip commute.

通勤の往復で本を読んでいます。

You will also encounter this word in the context of mail and event planning. As mentioned earlier, the 往復はがき (round-trip postcard) is a staple of Japanese event organization. If you join a club, attend a school reunion, or are invited to a wedding, you will likely receive one of these in your mailbox. The instructions will explicitly tell you to return the reply portion.
Mail Services
Post offices sell specific 'oufuku' postcards.

郵便局で往復はがきを５枚買いました。

Finally, in sports and fitness, 往復 is used to describe drills or exercises that involve running back and forth. For example, a 'shuttle run' or swimming laps involves continuous 往復 movement. Understanding the context in which 往復 is used will help you navigate Japan more smoothly and communicate your travel intentions clearly.

プールを１０往復泳ぎました。

A frequent mistake learners make with 往復 (oufuku) is confusing it with words that mean 'return' but in a different context. For instance, learners might try to use 往復 to mean returning a borrowed item, or returning to one's home country. 往復 strictly refers to the *journey* of going and coming back. To return a borrowed item, you should use 返す (kaesu). To return to your home country, you use 帰国する (kikoku suru).
Wrong Context
Do not use for returning items or returning home permanently.

❌ 本を往復する。 (Incorrect)

Another common error is grammatical. When expressing that a round trip takes a certain amount of time or money, learners sometimes forget the particle で (de). Saying '往復３時間です' is understandable, but '往復で３時間です' (oufuku de san-jikan desu) is more natural and grammatically precise, as 'de' indicates the total scope of the trip.
Missing Particle
Always use 'de' when stating the total time or cost of the round trip.

⭕ 往復で５００円です。 (Correct)

Learners also sometimes mix up the pronunciation, reading it as 'ouhuku' instead of 'oufuku'. While the 'f' and 'h' sounds in Japanese can be tricky, ensuring the correct 'fu' (ふ) sound is crucial for clear communication. Additionally, confusing 往復 (round trip) with its exact opposite, 片道 (katamichi - one way), can lead to expensive mistakes at the ticket counter!

❌ 片道切符で帰ってこられる。(Incorrect logic)

Furthermore, when using 往復 as a verb (往復する), learners might use the wrong particle for the locations. You should use と (to) to connect the two locations, and を (o) or の間を (no aida o) for the space traversed. For example, 'A to B o oufuku suru' (to travel back and forth between A and B).
Verb Particles
Use AとBを往復する.

⭕ 会社と駅を往復する。 (Correct)

By paying attention to these common pitfalls—contextual usage, particle selection, pronunciation, and antonym confusion—you can use 往復 with confidence and accuracy in any travel situation.

間違えて往復ではなく片道を買ってしまった。

There are several words in Japanese that share similar meanings or kanji with 往復 (oufuku), and distinguishing between them will enrich your vocabulary. The most direct counterpart is 片道 (katamichi), which means 'one way.' While not a synonym, it is the most closely associated word in any travel context. A true synonym for the action of going and returning is 行き帰り (ikikaeri). This is a more casual, native Japanese (wago) term compared to the Sino-Japanese (kango) 往復.
Casual Synonym
行き帰り (ikikaeri) - going and returning.

学校の行き帰りにコンビニに寄る。

Another related term is 日帰り (higaeri), which means a 'day trip.' A higaeri trip inherently involves an 往復 (round trip) completed within a single day. You will often see advertisements for 日帰り温泉 (higaeri onsen - day-trip hot springs). While 往復 just describes the physical back-and-forth, 日帰り adds the time constraint of returning on the same day.
Time-bound Travel
日帰り (higaeri) - day trip.

京都へ日帰りで旅行しました。

The word とんぼ返り (tonbogaeri) is a highly descriptive idiom that means making a flying visit or returning immediately after arriving at a destination. It literally translates to 'dragonfly return,' mimicking how a dragonfly darts back and forth. This implies a very rushed 往復 journey.

出張で東京へ行き、とんぼ返りした。

You might also encounter the word 巡回 (junkai), which means patrol or going around. While it involves traveling and returning, it implies visiting multiple points in a circuit rather than a simple A-to-B-to-A round trip.
Circuit Travel
巡回 (junkai) - patrol, circuit.

警備員がビルを巡回する。

Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact word for your situation. Use 往復 for standard round trips and tickets, 行き帰り for casual daily routines, 日帰り for day trips, and とんぼ返り for rushed, immediate returns.

それぞれの言葉のニュアンスを理解して使い分けましょう。

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Noun + で (Totalizing particle)

AとBを往復する (Movement between two points)

〜た方がいい (Giving advice on buying tickets)

〜に時間がかかる (Taking time for a trip)

〜割引 (Suffix for discounts)

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Examples by Level

1

往復切符をください。

A round-trip ticket, please.

Noun + を + ください (Please give me X).

2

これは往復ですか。

Is this a round trip?

Noun + ですか (Is it X?).

3

往復で買います。

I will buy it as a round trip.

Noun + で (indicating state/condition).

4

往復いくらですか。

How much is it round trip?

Noun + いくらですか (How much is X?).

5

東京までの往復。

Round trip to Tokyo.

Noun + まで (until/to) + の + Noun.

6

往復のバス。

Round-trip bus.

Noun + の + Noun.

7

片道ですか、往復ですか。

Is it one way or round trip?

Aですか、Bですか (Is it A or B?).

8

往復のチケット。

Round-trip ticket.

Noun + の + Noun.

1

往復で２時間かかります。

It takes two hours round trip.

往復で + time + かかる.

2

毎日、駅まで往復します。

I travel back and forth to the station every day.

往復する (verb form).

3

往復割引があります。

There is a round-trip discount.

Noun + が + あります (There is X).

4

往復で５００円です。

It is 500 yen round trip.

往復で + price + です.

5

往復はがきを買いました。

I bought a round-trip postcard.

Noun + を + 買いました.

6

家と学校を往復する。

To go back and forth between home and school.

AとBを往復する.

7

往復の料金を教えてください。

Please tell me the round-trip fare.

Noun + を + 教えてください.

8

往復の切符をなくしました。

I lost my round-trip ticket.

Noun + を + なくしました.

1

往復割引を利用した方が安いですよ。

It's cheaper to use the round-trip discount.

〜た方がいい (It is better to...).

2

往復はがきの返信部分を切り取って出してください。

Please cut off the reply portion of the round-trip postcard and send it.

Te-form for sequential actions.

3

出張で東京と大阪を日帰りで往復した。

I made a round trip between Tokyo and Osaka in one day for a business trip.

日帰りで + 往復する.

4

このフェリーは１日に３往復しています。

This ferry makes three round trips a day.

Number + 往復する.

5

往復の交通費は会社が払ってくれます。

The company will pay for the round-trip transportation expenses.

〜てくれる (Someone does something for me).

6

山頂までの往復には十分な水が必要です。

You need enough water for the round trip to the summit.

Noun + には + Noun + が必要です.

7

往復航空券の予約をキャンセルしたいのですが。

I would like to cancel my round-trip flight reservation.

〜たいのですが (I would like to..., softening).

8

手紙の往復だけで、まだ会ったことがない。

We have only exchanged letters and have never met.

Noun + だけで (Only with X).

1

年末年始は新幹線の往復指定席がすぐに売り切れる。

Reserved round-trip Shinkansen seats sell out quickly during the New Year holidays.

Noun + が + 売り切れる.

2

往復はがきによるお申し込みは、今月必着です。

Applications by round-trip postcard must arrive by the end of this month.

〜による (by means of).

3

データの往復にかかる遅延時間を測定する。

Measure the delay time it takes for the data to make a round trip.

Verb dictionary form + 時間.

4

彼は毎日、病院と自宅を往復するだけの生活を送っている。

He lives a life of just going back and forth between the hospital and his home every day.

〜だけの生活を送る.

5

往復のチケットを手配しておきましたので、ご安心ください。

I have arranged the round-trip tickets in advance, so please do not worry.

〜ておく (to do in advance).

6

宇宙船が地球と月を往復する時代が来るかもしれない。

The era when spaceships travel back and forth between the Earth and the Moon might come.

〜かもしれない (might/may).

7

議論が堂々巡りをして、同じところを往復しているようだ。

The argument is going in circles, seemingly just going back and forth over the same points.

〜ようだ (It seems that...).

8

マラソンコースは、この公園を起点とする往復コースです。

The marathon course is an out-and-back (round trip) course starting from this park.

〜を起点とする (starting from...).

1

通信プロトコルにおける往復遅延時間は、システムのパフォーマンスに直結する。

The round-trip delay time in communication protocols is directly linked to system performance.

〜における (in/regarding).

2

両国間の外交特使の頻繁な往復が、事態の切迫を物語っていた。

The frequent back-and-forth of diplomatic envoys between the two countries indicated the urgency of the situation.

Noun + が + 物語る (X indicates/tells the story of).

3

往復書簡集を紐解くことで、二人の文豪の深い精神的交流が浮かび上がる。

By reading their collection of exchanged letters, the deep spiritual interaction between the two great writers emerges.

〜ことで (By doing...).

4

この探査機は、小惑星のサンプルを採取し、地球へ往復するミッションを帯びている。

This probe is tasked with a mission to collect samples from an asteroid and make a round trip back to Earth.

〜ミッションを帯びている (tasked with a mission).

5

彼の思考は常に理想と現実の間を激しく往復している。

His thoughts are constantly and intensely going back and forth between ideal and reality.

AとBの間を往復する (Metaphorical).

6

往復乗車券の有効期間を過ぎてしまったため、無効となった。

Because the validity period of the round-trip ticket had passed, it became invalid.

〜ため (Because/due to).

7

日々の単調な往復運動に過ぎない労働からの解放を彼は求めた。

He sought liberation from labor that was nothing more than a monotonous daily back-and-forth movement.

〜に過ぎない (nothing more than).

8

往復の労をいとわず、彼は恩師の元へ足繁く通った。

Sparing no effort for the round trip, he visited his former teacher frequently.

〜をいとわず (sparing no effort/without minding).

1

歴史は進歩と退行の間を揺れ動く、壮大な往復運動であるかのようだ。

History seems to be a grand back-and-forth movement, oscillating between progress and regression.

〜であるかのようだ (as if it were).

2

往復書簡という形式が持つ特有の遅延が、かえって彼らの思索を深める結果となった。

The delay inherent in the format of exchanged letters ironically resulted in deepening their contemplation.

かえって〜結果となった (ironically resulted in).

3

微小な粒子のブラウン運動は、無秩序な往復の連続として観察される。

The Brownian motion of microscopic particles is observed as a continuous series of chaotic back-and-forth movements.

〜として観察される (observed as).

4

生と死の境界を往復するような過酷な闘病生活を経て、彼の死生観は一変した。

After enduring a grueling battle with illness that felt like going back and forth across the boundary of life and death, his view on life and death completely changed.

〜を経て (after experiencing/going through).

5

その法案は衆参両院の間を幾度となく往復し、ようやく可決の運びとなった。

The bill went back and forth between the upper and lower houses numerous times before finally reaching the point of passage.

〜の運びとなった (reached the stage of).

6

都市と地方の往復居住（デュアルライフ）という新しいライフスタイルが定着しつつある。

The new lifestyle of dual residency, moving back and forth between the city and the countryside, is becoming established.

〜しつつある (is in the process of).

7

光の往復時間を極めて正確に計測することで、地球と月の距離の微小な変化を捉える。

By measuring the round-trip time of light with extreme accuracy, minute changes in the distance between the Earth and the Moon are captured.

〜ことで、〜を捉える (By doing X, capture Y).

8

彼の議論は前提と結論の間を空虚に往復するだけの、典型的な循環論法に陥っている。

His argument has fallen into a typical circular reasoning, merely going back and forth emptily between premise and conclusion.

〜に陥っている (has fallen into).

Synonyms

行き来 通い 送迎 巡回 往来

Antonyms

片道 一方通行

Common Collocations

往復切符
往復割引
往復はがき
往復料金
往復航空券
往復時間
往復運賃
往復乗車券
往復書簡
往復ビンタ

Common Phrases

往復で買う
往復で〜時間かかる
往復割引を利用する
AとBを往復する
往復はがきを出す
往復の交通費
日帰りで往復する
往復チケットを予約する
往復の道のり
無駄な往復

Often Confused With

往復 vs 片道 (katamichi - one way)

往復 vs 回復 (kaifuku - recovery)

往復 vs 復習 (fukushuu - review)

Idioms & Expressions

"堂々巡り"
"とんぼ返り"
"行ったり来たり"
"二度手間"
"元の木阿弥"
"右往左往"
"一進一退"
"試行錯誤"
"行きつ戻りつ"
"千鳥足"

Easily Confused

往復 vs

往復 vs

往復 vs

往復 vs

往復 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

note

While 'oufuku' is standard, in spoken Japanese, people often just say 'ikikaeri' for everyday, non-ticketed travel.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 往復 to mean returning a borrowed item (use 返す instead).
  • Forgetting the particle で when saying 'It takes 2 hours round trip' (往復で２時間).
  • Confusing 往復 (round trip) with 片道 (one way) at the ticket machine.
  • Pronouncing it as 'ouhuku' instead of the correct 'oufuku'.
  • Using 往復 for a one-way permanent return to a home country (use 帰国する instead).

Tips

Particle 'De'

Always use the particle で (de) after 往復 when stating the total time or cost. It translates to 'in total for the round trip'. Example: 往復で1000円 (1000 yen round trip).

Ticket Types

Memorize the pair: 往復 (Oufuku = Round Trip) and 片道 (Katamichi = One Way). You will see these two words on every ticket machine in Japan.

RSVP Postcards

If you receive an 往復はがき (oufuku hagaki) for a wedding, you must reply. Cut it along the dotted line, fill out your attendance, and drop it in the mail. No stamp is needed.

Shinkansen Discounts

If you travel more than 600km one way on JR lines, buying an 往復 ticket gives you a 10% discount on the base fare. Always calculate the distance!

Casual Alternative

When talking to friends about your daily walk to the store, use 行き帰り (ikikaeri) instead of 往復. It sounds much more natural for everyday, non-ticketed movement.

Don't confuse 往 with 住

The kanji 往 (go) looks very similar to 住 (live/reside). Pay attention to the right side of the character to tell them apart.

Using as a Verb

When using 往復する, connect the two locations with と (to). Example: 東京と大阪を往復する (Travel back and forth between Tokyo and Osaka).

Station Announcements

Listen carefully at stations. You will often hear 'Oufuku joushaken' (Round-trip passenger ticket) in automated announcements regarding fares.

Tonbogaeri

If your round trip is extremely rushed (e.g., flying to Tokyo for a 1-hour meeting and flying right back), use the idiom とんぼ返り (tonbogaeri - dragonfly return).

Formal Letters

In advanced writing, the exchange of letters is called 往復書簡 (oufuku shokan). This is a great term to know for reading Japanese literature or history.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Oh (おう), F**k (ふく), I forgot my wallet and have to make a ROUND TRIP back home!

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

When replying, cross out honorifics applied to your own name (like 'Go-jusho') and add 'Sama' to the sender's name.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"通勤は往復でどのくらいかかりますか？ (How long is your round-trip commute?)"

"旅行は往復で予約しましたか？ (Did you book a round trip for your travel?)"

"往復はがきの書き方を知っていますか？ (Do you know how to write a round-trip postcard?)"

"新幹線の往復割引を使ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever used the Shinkansen round-trip discount?)"

"毎日どこを往復していますか？ (Where do you travel back and forth to every day?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a long round trip you recently took.

Describe your daily commute (oufuku) to work or school.

Explain the difference between oufuku and katamichi in your own words.

Write a fictional itinerary using the word oufuku.

Discuss the pros and cons of day trips (higaeri oufuku).

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

往復 (oufuku) means a round trip, going and coming back. 片道 (katamichi) means a one-way trip. If you buy a katamichi ticket, you cannot use it to return. Always check which one you are buying at the station. Mixing them up can be expensive.

Yes, by adding する (suru) to make 往復する (oufuku suru). It means 'to make a round trip' or 'to go back and forth'. For example, 'I travel back and forth between Tokyo and Osaka' is 'Tokyo to Osaka o oufuku suru'.

It is a special round-trip postcard used in Japan. It consists of two attached postcards. The sender writes their message on one half and addresses the other half to themselves. The receiver tears it in half, writes their reply, and mails it back without needing a stamp.

You can simply say '往復切符をください' (Oufuku kippu o kudasai). If you want to specify the destination, say '[Destination] made no oufuku kippu o kudasai'. Station staff will understand this perfectly.

No. 往復 is strictly for travel or movement back and forth. To return a borrowed item like a book, you use the verb 返す (kaesu). To return to your home country, you use 帰国する (kikoku suru).

Often, yes! This is called 往復割引 (oufuku waribiki). Japan Railways (JR) offers a round-trip discount on base fares if the one-way travel distance exceeds 600 kilometers. Always ask 'Oufuku waribiki wa arimasu ka?'

You say '往復で２時間かかります' (Oufuku de ni-jikan kakarimasu). The particle で (de) is important here as it indicates the total scope or condition of the time spent.

In casual conversation about daily routines, people often use 行き帰り (ikikaeri). For example, 'Gakkou no ikikaeri ni' means 'on the way to and from school'. 往復 sounds more formal or is used specifically for tickets.

Yes. It can be used for vehicles (the bus makes 3 round trips), data (round-trip time for a signal), or even letters (exchanging correspondence). It describes the reciprocal movement of anything.

The first kanji 往 means 'to go' and has a 'step' radical. The second kanji 復 means 'to return' or 'repeat' and also has a 'step' radical. Together, they mean stepping out and stepping back.

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