regrésalo
/reɡɾesalo/from spelling rules
To say "put it back" in Spanish, you use regrésalo.
This phrase is used when you want someone to return an object to the place where it was before.
What does it mean word for word?
regrésalo is composed of the imperative form of regresar (to return) and the object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
You can also say Regrésalo a su sitio to specify putting it back in its place. If you mean "put it back in", you might use the colloquial phrase Mételo otra vez. To be more specific about returning something to its place, you can use Devuélvalo a su lugar.
How do you pronounce it?
/reɡɾesalo/
Did you know?
- If you use the colloquial mételo to say 'put it back in', you are using a verb that literally means 'insert it', which can be too blunt or suggestive in certain social contexts.
- The word devolver in devuélvalo comes from volver, which means 'to turn', reflecting the idea of turning an object back toward its owner.
- While regrésalo is a standard request in Latin America, using it in Spain for a physical object can sound unnatural to locals, who strongly prefer devuélvelo.
Examples in context
- Regrésalo.Put it back.This example shows the use of regrésalo.Tatoeba #9462544 by ignacio, translation #2249836 by CK
- Por favor, vuelva a colocarlo en el estante.Please put it back on the shelf.
- Le ruego que devuelva el libro a su lugar original.I kindly ask you to put the book back in its original place.
- Restituya la pintura a su posición original, por favor.Please put the painting back in its original position.
- ¡Oye, ponlo de vuelta en su lugar!Hey, put it back where it belongs!
- Mételo otra vez en el cajón, ¿vale?Put it back in the drawer again, okay?
- Regrésalo a su sitio original, porfa.Please put it back in its original place.
- Si no lo vas a usar, regrésalo a la caja.If you aren't going to use it, put it back in the box.
- Toma el libro y regrésalo al estante.Take the book and put it back on the shelf.
Example conversation
Javier is holding a toy that does not belong to him in the living room.
- SofíaEse juguete no es tuyo, Javier.That toy isn't yours, Javier.
- JavierLo siento, Sofía.I'm sorry, Sofía.
- SofíaPor favor, regrésalo a su lugar.Please, put it back in its place.
- JavierEstá bien, lo haré ahora mismo.Okay, I will do it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
