regresar
/reɡɾeˈsaɾ/
In Spanish, to get back is regresar.
The verb regresar is used when you are returning to the place you came from. When you want to specify the destination you are returning to, use the preposition a after the verb (regresar a). If you are specifying the place you are returning from, use the preposition de (regresar de).
Meaning: to return to where one came from (verb)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
regresar is a colloquial way to express getting back, whereas retornar is a more formal alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'I got back' or 'I returned' in the first-person singular preterite past tense, use regresé. For continuous actions like 'returning' or 'getting back', use the gerund form regresando.
How do you pronounce it?
/reɡɾeˈsaɾ/
Did you know?
- While regresar denotes returning to a place, Spanish uses the phrase volver en sí to describe someone regaining consciousness or 'coming back' to their senses.
- The structure of regresar is rooted in the Latin 're-' meaning 'back' and 'gradus' meaning 'step', literally describing the act of stepping back.
- While regresar means to return, Spanish uses the phrase dar media vuelta ('to give a half turn') to describe the specific physical act of turning around to get back.
Examples in context
- Necesito regresar a Boston.I have to get back to Boston.This example shows how to specify a destination using regresar.Tatoeba #2831736 by marcelostockle, translation #2360475 by CK
- ¿Cuándo va a regresar de su viaje?When does he get back from his trip?This example shows how to specify a place you are returning from using regresar.Tatoeba #5046815 by don_ramon, translation #289248 by CK
- ¿Acabas de regresar?Did you just get back?This example shows a question about just having arrived using regresar.Tatoeba #7166645 by arh, translation #7803988 by shekitten
- Por favor, regrese a su asiento.Please get back to your seat.
- El gerente debe retornar a la reunión.The manager needs to get back to the meeting.
- ¡Volvamos a jugar al fútbol!Let's get back to playing soccer!
- Me voy a regresar a casa.I'm going to get back home.
- Volverse a dormir un rato más.Get back to sleep for a little longer.
- María debería volver a estudiar para sus exámenes.María should get back to studying for her exams.
- Volvamos al ruedo y enfoquémonos en nuestros objetivos.Let's get back on track and focus on our goals.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are finishing a walk in the park.
- MaríaYa es tarde, Mateo.It is late already, Mateo.
- MateoTienes razón, debemos regresar pronto.You are right, we must get back soon.
- María¿Quieres regresar caminando?Do you want to get back walking?
- MateoSí, no tengo prisa.Yes, I am not in a hurry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get back” translations and entries regresar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries regresar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
