regresar
/reɡɾeˈsaɾ/
To go back in Spanish is regresar.
The verb regresar is used to express the action of returning to a place. When you want to specify that you are going back from a location rather than to one, use the preposition de (regresar de) instead of a.
Meaning: to return to a place (verb)
Which one should you use?
The verb volver is a common synonym for regresar and can be used interchangeably in most contexts to mean 'to return' or 'to go back'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, the word retornar may be used instead of regresar to mean 'go back'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'I went back' in the past tense, use regresé. For the informal singular present tense 'you go back', use regresas. If you want to describe the continuous action of 'going back', use the gerund regresando.
How do you pronounce it?
/reɡɾeˈsaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying ya regreso (I'm coming back) is frequently used as a polite way to leave a conversation indefinitely, similar to the English 'I'll be right back' even if the return is hours away.
- The verb regresar is a direct linguistic cousin to the English word 'regress', sharing the same Latin root meaning 'to step back'.
- In Latin America, retornar is often perceived as more poetic or dramatic than regresar, making it a favorite for song lyrics and romantic literature when describing a lost love coming back.
Examples in context
- Necesito regresar a Boston.I need to go back to Boston.This sentence shows how to use regresar to say you need to go back to a specific city.Tatoeba #2831736 by marcelostockle, translation #2387635 by CK
- ¿No deberíamos regresar a casa?Shouldn't we go back home?This sentence uses regresar to ask about going back home.Tatoeba #12268369 by adaycito, translation #12268506 by Miktsoanit
- ¿Por qué quieres regresar a Australia?Why do you want to go back to Australia?This sentence demonstrates using regresar when asking about a desire to go back to a country.Tatoeba #10054986 by Shishir, translation #7150213 by CK
- Por favor, regrese a su asiento.Please, go back to your seat.
- Vuelva a la recepción y pregunte por el gerente.Go back to the reception desk and ask for the manager.
- Regresa a casa temprano.Go back home early.
- Vuelve a la fiesta, se te extraña.Come back to the party, we miss you.
- Retrocede unos pasos y tómame una foto.Go back a few steps and take a picture of me.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are at a park and realize they left something in the car.
- JavierOlvidé mis llaves en el coche.I forgot my keys in the car.
- ElenaDebemos regresar al coche ahora.We must go back to the car now.
- JavierSí, vamos a regresar rápido.Yes, let's go back quickly.
- ElenaNo tardaremos mucho, Javier.We won't be long, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
