A2 verb Neutral #1,800 most common 1 min read

かえす

kaesu /kae.sɯ/
Practice it

The verb 'kaesu' signifies the act of returning an object to its owner or responding to an action received.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To give back an item to its original owner.
  • To send a reply or response to someone.
  • To return something to its previous location.

一般的な文脈：図書館で本を返す、借りたお金を返すといった日常的なやり取りから、メールの返信をする、挨拶を返すといったコミュニケーションの場面まで幅広く使われます。

  1. 1類語との比較：「戻す（もどす）」との違いに注意が必要です。「戻す」は「元の場所へ置く」という意味が強く、必ずしも持ち主に返す必要はありません。一方「返す」は「相手のもとへ」という方向性が重要視されます。

Examples

1

借りた本を明日返します。

everyday

I will return the borrowed book tomorrow.

2

ご返信をいただき、感謝申し上げます。

formal

Thank you for your reply.

3

早くペンを返して！

informal

Give my pen back quickly!

4

恩を返す。

academic

To repay a kindness.

Common Collocations

本を返す return a book
返事をする give a reply
恩を返す repay a favor

Common Phrases

借りたものを返す

return borrowed items

返事を返す

send a reply

恩を返す

repay a favor

Often Confused With

かえす vs 戻す (modosu)

Used for putting something back to its original location or state. It does not necessarily involve a recipient.

かえす vs 帰る (kaeru)

An intransitive verb meaning 'to return home'. It describes the movement of a person, not the returning of an object.

Grammar Patterns

AをBに返す Aを返す 返してあげる

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use 'kaesu' for returning objects to owners. For formal contexts, consider using 'henkyaku suru' (to return). Remember that 'kaesu' can also be used abstractly for returning favors or replies.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often confuse 'kaesu' (return object) with 'kaeru' (return home). Ensure you don't say 'I kaesu home'. Also, note that 'kaesu' requires a direct object in most cases.

Tips

💡

Think of the direction of movement

Remember that 'kaesu' implies returning something to where it came from. Visualize the object moving back to the owner's hand.

⚠️

Distinguish from returning home

Do not use 'kaesu' for yourself returning home. Use 'kaeru' instead, as 'kaesu' implies you are the one doing the action to an object.

🌍

Reciprocity in Japanese culture

Returning favors (on-gaeshi) is a significant cultural value. The word 'kaesu' is deeply tied to the concept of maintaining social balance.

Word Origin

Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'kaesu', which has always denoted the act of reversing or returning something to its point of origin.

Cultural Context

In Japan, returning borrowed items promptly is a sign of respect. The concept of 'on-gaeshi' (repaying kindness) is a cornerstone of interpersonal relationships.

Memory Tip

Think of a boomerang. You throw it out, and it 'kaesu' (returns) back to your hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「戻す」は元の場所へ移動させることに重点があります。一方「返す」は、誰かから借りたものなどをその相手へ渡すという「所有権の移動」を伴うニュアンスが強いです。

どちらも使われますが、「返事をする」の方が一般的です。「返事を返す」は少し重複した表現（重言）のように感じられることがありますが、会話では自然に使われます。

物を返す場合は「返す」を使います。「帰す」は人を元の場所へ帰らせる（例：家へ帰す）という意味で使われます。

「かえした」となります。借りたものを返した時などに使います。

Test Yourself

fill blank

図書館で借りた本を___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 返す

借りたものを持ち主に戻すので「返す」が適切です。

multiple choice

友達から借りたペンを...

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 友達にかえした。

「かえした」は「返す」の過去形です。

sentence building

（返事 / 先生に / 私は / かえした）

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 私は先生に返事をかえした

「私は（主語）＋先生に（相手）＋返事を（目的語）＋かえした（動詞）」の語順が自然です。

Score: /3

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