devolver ropa
/debolbeɾ ɾopa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "return clothes" is translated into Spanish as devolver ropa.
This phrase is used when you take clothing back to a store to obtain a refund or an exchange. To describe the general concept or a store's policy (such as on a sign), you might see the noun form devolución de ropa (clothing return).
Which one should you use?
While devolver ropa is the general way to say you are returning clothes, if your specific intention is to swap the item for a different size or color rather than getting money back, you should use cambiar la ropa (to exchange the clothes).
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural conversation, Spanish speakers often add the definite article la before ropa to say devolver la ropa when referring to the specific clothes being returned.
How do you pronounce it?
/debolbeɾ ɾopa/
Did you know?
- The word ropa is used in the phrase ropa vieja, which literally means 'old clothes' but is actually the name of a famous shredded beef dish in Cuba and Spain.
- The word ropa is actually a Germanic loanword in Spanish, linked to the Gothic word for 'to rob' or 'to plunder'.
- While ropa means 'clothes' today, the Italian cognate roba can refer to 'stuff' or 'goods' in general, not just things you wear.
Examples in context
- Necesito devolver esta ropa a la tienda.I need to return these clothes to the store.
- ¿Puedo cambiar esta ropa por una talla diferente?Can I exchange these clothes for a different size?
- Me gustaría que me devuelvan el dinero de esta ropa.I would like to get a refund for these clothes.
- ¿Cuál es su política de devoluciones?What is your return policy?
- Tengo que devolver ropa mañana.I have to return clothes tomorrow.
- ¿Puedo devolver ropa sin el recibo?Can I return clothes without the receipt?
- Ella fue a la tienda para devolver ropa.She went to the store to return clothes.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking in their living room about shopping.
- Lucía¿Vas a la tienda ahora?Are you going to the store now?
- AlejandroSí, necesito devolver ropa que compré ayer.Yes, I need to return clothes that I bought yesterday.
- LucíaEspero que te devuelvan el dinero.I hope they give you your money back.
- AlejandroEso espero, Lucía.I hope so, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devolver, ropa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
