devolver
/debolˈbeɾ/
In Spanish, 'give back' is translated as devolver.
devolver is used when you are returning a physical object or returning money to someone.
Meaning: to return (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use devolver when you are returning an object or money, but use volver to express the act of returning or going back to a place.
How does it change in a sentence?
devolver is an irregular verb that undergoes a stem change from o to ue in many present tense forms, such as devuelvo, devuelves, devuelve, devolvemos, devolvéis and devuelven. Additionally, the past participle is devuelto, not devolvido.
How do you pronounce it?
/debolˈbeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use volver to mean giving an object back. In Spanish, volver specifically means to go or come back to a location, whereas devolver is required for returning an item.
Did you know?
- The word devolver literally comes from the Latin roots for 'to roll' and 'down'. It originally described the physical action of something rolling or tumbling back down a slope.
- The verb devolver can be used in a reflexive form, devolverse, which in some regional dialects means to turn around or go back the way one came.
- While devolver is used for returning money to a friend, Spanish speakers use the specific verb reembolsar for professional or commercial refunds.
Examples in context
- Tengo que devolver el libro antes del sábado.I have to give back the book before Saturday.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of devolver regarding a book.Tatoeba #449827 by Shishir, translation #2405 by CK
- He decidido devolver todo el dinero que robé.I've made up my mind to give back all the money I stole.This sentence shows how to use devolver when talking about returning money.Tatoeba #3302139 by Shishir, translation #953919 by CK
- Todos los hombres que se benefician de los frutos de la tierra deben devolver parte de ellos a la Iglesia, que los empleará en tres usos: la subsistencia de los párrocos, el mantenimiento de los edificios religiosos y la ayuda a los pobres.All men who profit from the fruits of the earth must give back part of them to the Church, who will apply them to three uses: providing for pastors, the maintenance of religious buildings, help to the poor.This sentence demonstrates a more formal or complex usage of devolver in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #1001093 by Shishir, translation #407512 by Scott
Example conversation
Mateo is borrowing a pen from María.
- MateoMaría, ¿me prestas tu bolígrafo?María, can you lend me your pen?
- MaríaSí, pero prométeme devolverlo pronto.Yes, but promise to give it back soon.
- MateoNo te preocupes, te lo voy a devolver mañana.Don't worry, I am going to give it back to you tomorrow.
- MaríaEstá bien, Mateo. Gracias por avisar.That's fine, Mateo. Thanks for letting me know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “give back” translations and entries devolver, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devolver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
