返す

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 本を図書館に返す。▶ —
   I return the book to the library.
2. 借りたお金を返した。▶ —
   I paid back the money I borrowed.

Collocations

Mnemonic

Kaesu (返す) is the transitive Japanese verb for "return (something) / give back / repay / answer." The kanji 返 combines 辶 (movement) and 反 (reverse direction) — "move in reverse." Transitivity pair: kaesu (transitive) ↔ kaeru (return, intransitive). "Hito ga mono wo kaesu" (a person returns a thing) vs "mono ga kaeru" (a thing returns). Senses: (1) physical return ("hon wo kaesu" return a book, "kuruma wo kaesu" return a car); (2) debt repayment ("okane wo kaesu" repay money); (3) reply / reciprocate ("henji wo kaesu" send a reply, "aisatsu wo kaesu" return a greeting); (4) yielding a result ("kotae wo kaesu" return an answer). Homophone alert: 帰る (kaeru, go home, intransitive, animate subject) vs 返る (kaeru, return, intransitive, inanimate subject) share a sound but split by kanji / meaning. Daily essential for libraries, rental shops, money dealings.

Quick check

1. Difference between kaesu (返す) and kaeru (帰る)?

   • Kaesu (return object, transitive) ↔ kaeru (person goes home, intransitive)
   • Synonyms
   • Both intransitive
   • Both transitive