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A2 verb #1,000 mais comum 8 min de leitura

戻る

modoru Top 1,000

At the A1 level, you should learn '戻る' (modoru) as a simple way to say 'go back.' It is most often used when you are with someone and you need to return to a place you just were, like a shop or a park bench. You will usually see it in the form '戻ります' (modorimasu). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex differences between 'modoru' and 'kaeru.' Just remember that if you are returning to a place that isn't your home, 'modoru' is a safe choice. For example, if you are at a museum and want to go back to the entrance, you can say 'iriguchi ni modorimasu.' It is a useful word for basic navigation and simple interactions during travel. You might also see it on a 'Back' button on a website or an app, which is a great way to memorize it. Focus on the physical action of turning around and going back to a point you recently left.

At the A2 level, you begin to distinguish between '戻る' (modoru) and '帰る' (kaeru). You should understand that 'modoru' is for temporary returns. A key phrase at this level is '席に戻る' (seki ni modoru), which means 'to return to one's seat.' This is very common in classroom or office settings. You should also learn the 'te-form' + 'kuru' construction: '戻ってくる' (modotte kuru). This means 'to come back' and is used when someone is returning to the place where you are currently standing. For example, 'Tanaka-san wa sugu modotte kimasu' (Mr. Tanaka will come back soon). You will also start to see 'modoru' used for non-physical things, like 'returning to the original topic' in a conversation. Practice using the particle 'ni' to mark the place you are returning to. This level is about using 'modoru' to manage your daily movements and describe the movements of others in a clear, simple way.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '戻る' (modoru) in a variety of contexts, including business and abstract situations. You should understand that 'modoru' can describe a state returning to normal, such as 'genki ni modoru' (to return to being healthy/energetic) or 'moto ni modoru' (to return to the original state). You will also encounter the transitive counterpart '戻す' (modosu) and should be careful not to confuse the two. For example, 'tokei o modosu' (to turn back a clock) vs. 'tokei ga modoru' (the clock returns). In business, 'modoru' is essential for explaining your schedule: 'shucchou kara modoru' (to return from a business trip). You should also be aware of the potential for 'modoru' to mean 'to undo' in a digital context. At this stage, you should be able to use 'modoru' in complex sentences with conjunctions like 'node' or 'kara' to explain *why* you are returning somewhere.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of '戻る' (modoru) in professional and formal settings. This includes understanding the humble and honorific versions, such as 'o-modori ni naru' (honorific) and 'modorimasu' (polite). You will use 'modoru' to describe economic trends, such as 'keiki ga modoru' (the economy is recovering/returning). You should also be able to use it in idiomatic expressions like 'shouki ni modoru' (to come to one's senses) or 'furi-dashi ni modoru' (to go back to square one). At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between 'modoru' and other similar verbs like 'hikikaesu' (to turn back midway) or 'fukki suru' (to return to a position). Your usage should be fluid, allowing you to switch between physical, temporal, and abstract returns without hesitation. You will also see 'modoru' in news reports and more complex literature, where it might describe a character's internal state or a historical cycle.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of '戻る' (modoru) and its role in Japanese discourse. You will encounter it in philosophical or academic texts, often referring to the 'return to the origin' (原点に戻る - genten ni modoru) or the cyclical nature of time and history. You should understand how 'modoru' functions in complex grammatical structures, such as the passive or causative-passive, although these are less common for this specific verb. You will also be expected to understand the subtle social implications of using 'modoru' versus 'kaeru' in high-level business negotiations. For instance, using 'modoru' might imply a continued commitment to a task, whereas 'kaeru' might signal the end of a professional engagement. You should also be familiar with technical uses of the word in fields like science or law, where it might describe a system returning to equilibrium or a legal status being restored.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '戻る' (modoru) should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can appreciate the poetic and metaphorical uses of the word in classical and modern literature. You understand how 'modoru' interacts with the Japanese worldview of 'uchi' (inside) and 'soto' (outside)—how returning to a place is not just a physical act but a social and psychological transition. You can use 'modoru' to discuss complex theories of restoration, social change, and historical recurrence. You are also fully aware of the most obscure idioms and archaic forms related to the root 'modo-'. In high-stakes communication, you use the word with perfect register, whether it's a casual remark to a friend or a formal address in a corporate boardroom. Your ability to use 'modoru' reflects a deep integration of Japanese spatial and temporal logic into your own speech.

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

戻る em 30 segundos

Modoru is a verb meaning 'to return' or 'to go back' to a previous location or state, focusing on temporary movement.
It is different from 'kaeru,' which specifically means returning to one's home or permanent base of operations.
Commonly used in offices (returning to a seat) and digital contexts (the 'back' button on a browser or app).
It is an intransitive verb, meaning the subject does the returning; the transitive version is 'modosu' (to put back).

The Japanese verb 戻る (modoru) is a fundamental intransitive verb that primarily translates to 'to return' or 'to go back.' While English speakers might use 'return' for many situations, Japanese distinguishes between returning to a place of belonging (like home) and simply returning to a previous location or state. Modoru is the go-to word when you have left a spot temporarily and are now heading back to it, or when something is reverting to its original condition. It is a 'Godan' verb, meaning it follows the standard five-step conjugation pattern, ending in '-u'.

Physical Movement: This is the most common usage. If you are at the office, go to lunch, and then come back to your desk, you use 戻る. It implies a temporary departure from a base point.
Reverting States: Beyond physical travel, it describes things returning to how they were. For example, if the weather was bad and then becomes sunny again, or if a broken machine is fixed and 'returns' to normal operation, 元に戻る (moto ni modoru) is the standard phrase.

忘れ物をしたので、一度家に戻ります。
(Wasuremono o shita node, ichido ie ni modorimasu.)
I forgot something, so I will return home for a moment.

In a professional context, you will often hear colleagues say 席に戻る (seki ni modoru) meaning 'returning to one's seat.' This is crucial in Japanese office etiquette. Unlike 帰る (kaeru), which implies going home for the day, 戻る suggests that the person is still working and has just returned from a meeting or break. Understanding this nuance prevents confusion about whether someone has finished their work or is just stepping back into the room.

話が戻りますが、先ほどの件について...
(Hanashi ga modorimasu ga, sakihodo no ken ni tsuite...)
To return to our previous topic, regarding the matter from earlier...

Abstractly, 戻る is used in discussions or stories. If a conversation veers off-track, a speaker might use 話を戻す (hanashi o modosu - transitive) or say the conversation 戻る (modoru - intransitive) to the original point. It signifies a restoration of the 'correct' or 'previous' focus. This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency verbs in both daily life and business settings in Japan.

Using 戻る (modoru) correctly requires paying attention to particles and the direction of movement. Since it is an intransitive verb, it never takes a direct object (marked by を). Instead, it typically uses the particles に (ni) or へ (e) to indicate the destination of the return.

The Destination Particle (に/へ): Use 'Place + に/へ + 戻る'. For example, 会社に戻る (kaisha ni modoru) means 'to return to the office.' 'Ni' is more common in daily speech to indicate the specific point of arrival.
The 'From' Particle (から): To say where you are returning from, use 'Place + から + 戻る'. Example: 出張から戻りました (shucchou kara modorimashita) - 'I have returned from my business trip.'

彼はすぐに戻ってきます。
(Kare wa sugu ni modotte kimasu.)
He will come back soon.

A very common grammatical pattern is ～て戻る (~te modoru) or 戻ってくる (modotte kuru). Adding くる (kuru - to come) emphasizes the movement toward the speaker's current location. If you are waiting for someone at a cafe and they step out to take a call, they might say すぐ戻るね (sugu modoru ne), but you would describe them as 戻ってきた (modotte kita) when they reappear.

記憶が戻った。
(Kioku ga modotta.)
My memory returned (I remembered).

When talking about time or sequence, 戻る can mean 'to go back' in a book or a video. 前のページに戻ってください (mae no peeji ni modotte kudasai) means 'Please go back to the previous page.' In this sense, it acts as a navigational command. It is also used for 'undoing' actions in software, often represented by an arrow pointing backward. Mastering these variations allows you to navigate physical spaces, digital interfaces, and abstract timelines with ease.

In Japan, you will encounter 戻る (modoru) in a wide variety of social and professional environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal announcements and casual chatter. One of the most frequent places is at a train station or inside a train. If a train has overshot its mark or needs to return to a previous station due to an emergency, the conductor will announce 前の駅に戻ります (mae no eki ni modorimasu). This is a clear, functional use of the word to describe physical reversal.

In the Office: Receptionists often tell callers, 'Tanaka is out but 3時頃に戻る予定です (san-ji goro ni modoru yotei desu)' (He is scheduled to return around 3:00). It is the standard way to describe a staff member's return to the workplace.
Shopping and Services: If you go to a store to return an item, you might use the noun form 戻り (modori) or the transitive 戻す (modosu), but if you realize you left your wallet at the counter, you would say レジに戻ります (reji ni modorimasu).

お席にお戻りください。
(O-seki ni o-modori kudasai.)
Please return to your seat (Polite/Formal).

In media, such as anime or drama, you might hear a character say 正気に戻れ！ (shouki ni modore!) which means 'Come back to your senses!' or 'Snap out of it!' This uses the imperative form to demand a return to a normal mental state. Similarly, in video games, the 'Back' button is almost always labeled 戻る. It is the universal term for reversing a selection or going to the previous menu screen.

日常が戻ってきた。
(Nichijou ga modotte kita.)
Daily life has returned (to normal).

Lastly, in news reports, you will hear 戻る used for economic indicators. 'The stock prices 戻した (modoshita - transitive)' or 'The situation 戻った (modotta - intransitive)' are common ways to describe market recovery. Whether it is a physical person, a digital cursor, or a national economy, 戻る is the essential verb for any 'return' journey.

One of the most frequent pitfalls for English speakers is confusing 戻る (modoru) with 帰る (kaeru). Both can be translated as 'to return,' but their usage is strictly separated by the concept of 'home' or 'belonging.' Using the wrong one can lead to humorous or confusing situations.

Modoru vs. Kaeru: Use 帰る when returning to your permanent base (home, country, or sometimes your main office if you've been out all day). Use 戻る for temporary returns to a place you just left. If you say 家に帰る at 1:00 PM, people think you are done for the day. If you say 家に戻る, they assume you forgot your keys and will be right back.
Intransitive vs. Transitive: Confusing 戻る (modoru) with 戻す (modosu). 戻る is something that happens (the person returns), while 戻す is something you do to an object (you return the book to the shelf). You cannot say 本を戻る; it must be 本を戻す.

Incorrect: 友達に本を戻りました。
(Tomodachi ni hon o modorimashita.)
Correct: 友達に本を返しました。
(Tomodachi ni hon o kaeshimashita.)

Another mistake is using 戻る for returning an item to a person. If you borrow a pen and give it back, the verb is 返す (kaesu). 戻る is for the *movement* of a subject or the *reversion* of a state. If you say ペンが戻った, it means 'The pen has returned (to me),' focusing on the pen's status, not your action of giving it.

原点に戻る。
(Genten ni modoru.)
To return to the starting point / basics.

Finally, learners often forget the ～てくる (~te kuru) aspect. In English, we just say 'I'm coming back.' In Japanese, if you are moving toward the person you are talking to, 戻ってくる is much more natural than just 戻る. Omitting the くる can make the sentence feel 'flat' or directionless in certain contexts.

Japanese has several words for 'returning,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on where you are going and what is returning. 戻る (modoru) is the most general, but these alternatives are often more precise.

帰る (Kaeru): The most common alternative. Use this exclusively for returning to a place where you 'belong,' such as your home, your country, or your permanent base. It implies a sense of 'going back to where you should be.'
引き返す (Hikikaesu): This means 'to turn back' midway. If you are halfway to the station and realize you forgot your phone, you 引き返す. It implies an interruption of a journey.
復帰する (Fukki suru): A formal Sino-Japanese (Kango) word meaning 'to return to a position or status.' Used for athletes returning from injury or employees returning to work after maternity leave.

仕事に復帰する。
(Shigoto ni fukki suru.)
To return to work (after a long absence).

There is also 返る (kaeru), which is the intransitive version of 返す (kaesu). It is used when an object or a right is returned to its owner. For example, 忘れた傘が手元に返ってきた (wasureta kasa ga temoto ni kaette kita) means 'The forgotten umbrella returned to my hand.' While 戻る could also be used here, 返る emphasizes the restoration of ownership.

来た道を引き返す。
(Kita michi o hikikaesu.)
To turn back the way one came.

In literary or highly formal contexts, you might see 帰還する (kikan suru), which means 'to return' in a military or heroic sense (like a soldier returning from war or a space probe returning to Earth). For everyday use, however, 戻る remains the most versatile and essential verb to master for any student of Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"ただいま席を外しておりますが、間もなく戻ります。"

Neutro

"忘れ物をしたので、一度家に戻ります。"

Informal

"ちょっと戻るわ。"

Child friendly

"おうちに帰る前に、公園に戻ろうか？"

Gíria

"秒で戻るわ。"

Curiosidade

The kanji 戻 consists of 戶 (door) and 大 (large/dog-like shape), though the modern interpretation usually focuses on the 'returning through a door' concept.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /moʊ.dɔː.ruː/

US /moʊ.doʊ.ruː/

The pitch accent is usually 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch starts low and stays high, or 'Atamadaka' depending on the dialect, but standard Japanese is relatively flat.

Rima com

Toriru Koru Noru Soru Toru Yoru Horu Moru

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (keep it as a tongue tap).
Elongating the 'u' at the end too much (it's a short, clipped sound).
Confusing the pitch with 'modosu' (transitive).
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Mumbling the 'do' so it sounds like 'mo-ru'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

The kanji is relatively simple and taught early in school.

Escrita 3/5

The kanji 戻 has a few strokes that need care, but it is common.

Expressão oral 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Audição 2/5

Very high frequency; easy to recognize in context.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

行く (iku) 来る (kuru) 帰る (kaeru) 家 (ie) 席 (seki)

Aprenda a seguir

戻す (modosu) 返す (kaesu) 復帰 (fukki) 回復 (kaifuku) 出発 (shuppatsu)

Avançado

帰還 (kikan) 遡る (sakanoboru) 回帰 (kaiki) 還元 (kangen) 反転 (hanten)

Gramática essencial

Intransitive vs Transitive pairs

戻る (Intransitive) vs 戻す (Transitive)

Te-form + Kuru (Directional aspect)

戻ってくる (To come back toward the speaker)

Te-form + Iku (Directional aspect)

戻っていく (To go back away from the speaker)

Potential Form (Godan verbs)

戻れる (Can return)

Volitional Form (Godan verbs)

戻ろう (Let's return)

Exemplos por nível

店に戻ります。

I will go back to the store.

Simple destination + ni + modorimasu.

ここに戻ってください。

Please return here.

Using ~te kudasai for a polite request.

彼はいつ戻りますか？

When will he return?

Question form with 'itsu' (when).

公園に戻りましょう。

Let's go back to the park.

Volitional form ~mashou (let's).

あそこに戻りたいです。

I want to go back there.

Desire form ~tai (want to).

車に戻りました。

I went back to the car.

Past tense modorimashita.

すぐ戻ります。

I'll be right back.

Common set phrase for 'be right back'.

駅に戻りましょうか？

Shall we go back to the station?

~mashou ka (shall we).

席に戻ってください。

Please return to your seat.

Standard phrase in public spaces.

田中さんはもうすぐ戻ってきます。

Mr. Tanaka will come back soon.

Using ~te kuru to show movement toward the speaker.

忘れ物をしたので、部屋に戻りました。

I forgot something, so I went back to my room.

Using 'node' to give a reason.

話が戻りますが、明日の予定は？

To go back to what we were saying, what is tomorrow's schedule?

Abstract use: returning to a topic.

雨が降ったので、家に戻りました。

It rained, so I went back home.

Note: 'Modoru' here implies a temporary return, not ending the day.

前のページに戻るボタンを押してください。

Please press the 'back to previous page' button.

Digital context: modoru botan (back button).

彼は3時に戻る予定です。

He is scheduled to return at 3:00.

Noun + yotei (schedule/plan).

元の場所に戻してください。

Please put it back in its original place.

Wait! This uses 'modosu' (transitive). Use 'modoru' for the person: '元の場所に戻ります'.

ようやく日常が戻ってきました。

Daily life has finally returned to normal.

Abstract use: state of being.

出張から戻ったら、連絡します。

I will contact you when I return from my business trip.

~tara (when/if) conditional.

この道を行けば、大通りに戻れます。

If you go down this road, you can return to the main street.

Potential form modoreru (can return).

一度、原点に戻って考えましょう。

Let's go back to the basics and think.

Idiomatic: genten ni modoru.

体調が戻るまで、ゆっくり休んでください。

Please rest well until your health returns.

State of health as the subject.

彼は急いで会社に戻っていきました。

He went back to the office in a hurry.

~te iku to show movement away from the speaker.

記憶が完全に戻るには時間がかかります。

It takes time for memory to return completely.

Noun + ni wa (for the purpose of).

信号が青に戻るのを待っています。

I am waiting for the light to turn back to green.

Describing a cyclical change of state.

景気が戻る兆しが見えてきました。

Signs of the economy recovering have begun to appear.

Economic context: keiki ga modoru.

彼は怪我から復帰し、戦場に戻った。

He recovered from his injury and returned to the battlefield.

Dramatic/Formal context.

一度口にした言葉は、元には戻らない。

Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.

Philosophical/Proverbial usage.

システムが正常な状態に戻りました。

The system has returned to its normal state.

Technical/IT context.

彼は正気に戻ると、自分の過ちを認めた。

When he came to his senses, he admitted his mistake.

Idiom: shouki ni modoru.

振り出しに戻るような事態になった。

The situation has become like going back to square one.

Idiom: furidashi ni modoru.

彼女は休暇を終えて、職場に戻ってきた。

She finished her vacation and came back to the workplace.

Describing a return after a long break.

失われた信頼を戻すのは難しい。

It is difficult to restore lost trust.

Wait! This uses 'modosu' (transitive). Intransitive: '信頼が戻る'.

伝統的な生活様式に戻る動きがある。

There is a movement toward returning to traditional lifestyles.

Sociological context.

議論が再び紛糾し、元の木阿弥に戻った。

The discussion became complicated again, and we were back where we started.

Idiom: moto no mokuanmi (back to square one).

意識が戻ったとき、彼は病院のベッドにいた。

When his consciousness returned, he was in a hospital bed.

Medical/Narrative context.

政権が旧勢力の手に戻ることはなかった。

The political power never returned to the hands of the old guard.

Political/Historical context.

一度失職すると、以前の地位に戻るのは至難の業だ。

Once you lose your job, returning to your previous status is a Herculean task.

Formal/Abstract status.

彼は過去に執着し、思い出の中にばかり戻っている。

He is obsessed with the past and is always returning to his memories.

Psychological/Metaphorical return.

生態系が元のバランスに戻るには数十年を要する。

It takes decades for an ecosystem to return to its original balance.

Scientific/Environmental context.

万物は流転し、やがて無に戻る。

All things flow and eventually return to nothingness.

Philosophical/Buddhist context.

権利の帰属が原告に戻る旨の判決が下された。

A judgment was rendered to the effect that the ownership of rights returns to the plaintiff.

Legal/Formal terminology.

歴史は繰り返され、再び暗黒時代へと戻るのだろうか。

History repeats itself; will we return to a dark age once more?

Rhetorical/Historical inquiry.

精神の均衡が戻るまで、彼は沈黙を守り続けた。

He maintained his silence until his mental equilibrium returned.

Literary/Abstract psychological state.

宇宙の膨張が止まり、収縮へと戻るという説がある。

There is a theory that the expansion of the universe will stop and return to contraction.

Scientific/Cosmological context.

その法案は修正を余儀なくされ、委員会に戻された。

The bill was forced to be amended and was sent back to the committee.

Passive form: modosareta (sent back).

彼は放浪の末、自己のアイデンティティの根源に戻った。

After much wandering, he returned to the root of his own identity.

Existential/Literary context.

市場のボラティリティが収まり、平均回帰の動きが戻った。

Market volatility subsided, and the movement toward mean reversion returned.

High-level financial/statistical context.

魂が肉体に戻る瞬間を描写した神秘的な文学作品。

A mystical literary work depicting the moment the soul returns to the body.

Metaphysical/Artistic context.

Colocações comuns

席に戻る

元に戻る

正気に戻る

原点に戻る

日常に戻る

記憶が戻る

振り出しに戻る

意識が戻る

話が戻る

現場に戻る

Frases Comuns

すぐ戻ります

お戻りですか？

元に戻してください

前の画面に戻る

3時に戻ります

いつ戻りますか？

ようやく戻った

振り出しに戻った

自分に戻る

平熱に戻る

Frequentemente confundido com

戻る vs 帰る (kaeru)

Kaeru is for home/permanent base; Modoru is for temporary/previous spots.

戻る vs 戻す (modosu)

Modosu is transitive (you return an object); Modoru is intransitive (you return yourself).

戻る vs 返す (kaesu)

Kaesu is for returning something to a person (like a borrowed book).

Expressões idiomáticas

"振り出しに戻る"

To go back to the starting point; to start all over again.

計画が白紙になり、振り出しに戻った。

Neutral

"正気に戻る"

To come to one's senses; to regain consciousness or sanity.

怒りが収まり、ようやく正気に戻った。

Neutral

"元の木阿弥"

To end up back where one started after a temporary improvement.

せっかく禁煙したのに、また吸ってしまい元の木阿弥だ。

Informal

"原点に立ち返る"

To return to the basics or the original intention.

迷ったときは、原点に立ち返ることが大切だ。

Formal

"手のひらを返す"

To suddenly change one's attitude (related to turning back/over).

彼の手のひらを返すような態度に驚いた。

Neutral

"二の足を踏む"

To hesitate (literally 'taking a second step back').

高価な買い物なので、二の足を踏んでいる。

Neutral

"後戻りできない"

There is no turning back; a point of no return.

もう決めたことだ。後戻りはできない。

Neutral

"先祖返り"

Atavism; returning to the traits of ancestors.

この植物は先祖返りして白い花が咲いた。

Academic

"返り咲く"

To make a comeback (literally 'to bloom again').

元チャンピオンが王座に返り咲いた。

Neutral

"恩返し"

Returning a favor; gratitude.

両親に恩返しをしたい。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

戻る vs 帰る

Both mean 'to return'.

Kaeru implies going back to a place of belonging (home). Modoru implies going back to a point in a journey or a previous state.

家に帰る (Go home) vs. 席に戻る (Return to seat).

戻る vs 戻す

They share the same kanji.

Modosu is transitive (I put the book back). Modoru is intransitive (I go back).

本を戻す (Put book back) vs. 私が戻る (I return).

戻る vs 返る

Both mean 'to return' (intransitive).

Kaeru (返る) is used for objects returning to owners. Modoru is for people or states.

お金が返る (Money returns) vs. 意識が戻る (Consciousness returns).

戻る vs 引き返す

Both involve going back.

Hikikaesu specifically means to turn back in the middle of a path because of a problem or realization.

忘れ物をして引き返す。

戻る vs 復帰する

Both mean returning to a place.

Fukki is a formal term for returning to a professional role or social position after a long break.

職場に復帰する。

Padrões de frases

[Place] に戻ります。

公園に戻ります。

すぐ戻ります。

ちょっと待ってください。すぐ戻ります。

[Person] は [Time] に戻ります。

田中さんは3時に戻ります。

[Place] から戻ったら、[Action]。

会社から戻ったら、電話します。

元に戻る。

体調が元に戻った。

原点に戻って [Action]。

原点に戻って考えましょう。

話が戻りますが、[Topic]。

話が戻りますが、予算の件です。

[Abstract Noun] が戻る。

精神の均衡が戻る。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business.

Erros comuns

Using 'modoru' to mean 'go home' at the end of the day. → Kaeru (帰る)
Modoru implies you are coming back to where you are now later.
Saying 'Hon o modoru' (Return a book). → Hon o modosu (戻す) or Kaesu (返す)
Modoru is intransitive and cannot take an object.
Confusing 'modoru' with 'kaeru' (objects). → Kaesu (返す)
Use 'kaesu' when returning something borrowed to a person.
Forgetting 'kuru' in 'modotte kuru'. → Modotte kuru
In many contexts, adding 'kuru' makes the direction of the return clearer.
Using 'modoru' for 'to recover' from a cold incorrectly. → Genki ni modoru / Netsu ga sagaru
While 'modoru' works for states, specific verbs like 'sagaru' (drop) are often better for fever.

Dicas

Particle Choice

Always use 'ni' for the destination. 'Kaisha ni modoru' is the standard way to say return to the office.

Temporary vs Permanent

Use 'modoru' for 'U-turns' and 'kaeru' for 'End of the day' journeys.

Office Etiquette

When leaving your desk, tell your neighbor 'Sugu modorimasu' so they know you're still working.

Navigation

Look for the 戻る button in any Japanese app to go to the previous screen.

Topic Switching

Use 'Hanashi o modosu to...' to steer a conversation back to the main point.

More Dough

Return items to get 'More Dough' (Mo-Do-ru).

Transitive Pair

Learn 'modosu' at the same time. Modoru = Subject returns; Modosu = Object is returned.

Train Announcements

Listen for 'modorimasu' if there is a delay or a change in the train's route.

U-Turn

Understand the 'U-turn' concept in Japan as a return to rural roots.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 戻 is very common in signs; practice writing it to recognize it instantly.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'More Dough' (Mo-Do). If you **return** an item to the store, you get **More Dough** back in your pocket!

Associação visual

Imagine a U-turn sign on a road. The car is making a 'Modoru' move to go back where it came from.

Word Web

Return Back Reverse Undo Restore Revert Home (temporary) Seat

Desafio

Try to use 'modoru' three times today: once for a physical place, once for a digital 'back' action, and once for a conversation topic.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'modoru.' The root 'modo-' is thought to be related to 'mada' (again/still) or 'moto' (origin), suggesting a movement toward a previous state.

Significado original: To turn back or to reverse direction.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'modoru' when someone has passed away; 'kaeru' is sometimes used euphemistically for 'returning to heaven,' but 'modoru' would be inappropriate.

English speakers often use 'go back' for everything. In Japanese, you must choose between 'modoru' and 'kaeru.'

The 'Back' button in Japanese software is always '戻る'. The phrase '振り出しに戻る' is famous from the game Sugoroku (Japanese backgammon). Many J-Pop songs use 'modoru' to describe wanting to return to a past love.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Office

席に戻る
3時に戻る
会議から戻る
すぐ戻ります

Digital/Tech

前のページに戻る
設定を元に戻る
戻るボタン
最初に戻る

Health

体調が戻る
意識が戻る
記憶が戻る
元気になる

Travel/Directions

駅に戻る
ホテルに戻る
来た道を戻る
反対側に戻る

Conversation

話を戻すと
さっきの件に戻る
話題が戻る
本題に戻る

Iniciadores de conversa

"すみません、田中さんはいつ戻りますか？ (Excuse me, when will Mr. Tanaka return?)"

"ちょっと忘れ物をしたので、戻ってもいいですか？ (I forgot something, is it okay if I go back?)"

"話が戻りますが、さっきのレストランの名前は何でしたか？ (To go back to our topic, what was the name of that restaurant?)"

"仕事が終わったら、一度会社に戻りますか？ (Will you go back to the office after work?)"

"元の場所に戻るには、どの道を行けばいいですか？ (Which road should I take to get back to the original place?)"

Temas para diário

今日、どこかに「戻る」ことがありましたか？ (Did you 'return' anywhere today?)

昔の自分に戻りたいと思ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever thought you wanted to return to your past self?)

旅行中、道に迷って「戻る」のが大変だった経験はありますか？ (Have you had an experience where returning was difficult after getting lost while traveling?)

仕事や勉強で「原点に戻る」ことは大切だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's important to 'return to the basics' in work or study?)

「日常に戻る」瞬間、どんな気持ちになりますか？ (How do you feel at the moment you 'return to daily life' after a break?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Only if it's a temporary return (e.g., you forgot your keys). If you are finished for the day, use 'kaeru'.

It is intransitive. You cannot say 'hon o modoru.' You must say 'hon o modosu' (transitive).

Use 'ni' or 'he' for the destination (e.g., kaisha ni modoru) and 'kara' for the starting point (e.g., gakkou kara modoru).

The most common way is 'Sugu modorimasu' (polite) or 'Sugu modoru' (casual).

It means 'to return to the original state' or 'to go back to normal.'

Yes, in stories you can say 'kako ni modoru' (to return to the past).

'Modotte kuru' emphasizes that the person is coming back to where the speaker is currently located.

It is almost always written as '戻る' (modoru).

No, for favors use 'kaesu' (e.g., on-gaeshi o suru).

Yes, it is one of the most frequently used verbs in the Japanese language across all levels of formality.