Which one should you use?
When choosing between words for 'return', consider whether you are describing an action or a physical object. Use ritorno for the act of returning. However, if you are referring to a physical product that is being returned, such as to a store, use reso.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ritorno is versatile in its grammatical function. It can serve as the noun meaning 'the return' or as the first-person singular present indicative verb meaning 'I return'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /riˈtor.no/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use ritorno to refer to a physical item being returned to a shop. Use reso instead. Additionally, when you mean the action of returning an object, use the verb restituire.
Did you know?
- If you are returning a favor, you would not use ritornare or restituire, but rather ricambiare. This specific verb is used for exchanging gestures, gifts and kindnesses.
- The word ritorno was borrowed into Italian from the French word retour.
- The verb restituire, used for returning an object, comes from the Latin restituere, meaning 'to set up again' or 'restore'. It implies returning something to its original state or owner.
Examples in context
- Sarà di ritorno tra un'ora.She will return within an hour.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ritorno to describe someone returning within a timeframe.Tatoeba #2776124 by Guybrush88, translation #310087 by CK
- Ritorno a Boston a ottobre.I return to Boston in October.This sentence demonstrates the use of ritorno to express a personal return to a location.Tatoeba #5932223 by Valdast, translation #5942715 by nicholas_martin
- Aspetteremo il tuo ritorno.We'll wait for your return.This sentence shows how to use ritorno as a noun meaning 'your return'.Tatoeba #6765385 by Guybrush88, translation #3821161 by CK
- Torno a casaI'm returning home
- Torniamo domaniWe will return tomorrow
- Ritorno in ufficioI'm returning to the office
- Ritorniamo prestoWe will return soon
- Torniamo dopoWe'll come back later
- Ritorno subitoI'll be right back
- Mi scusi il disturbo, torno a prendermi il cappottoExcuse the interruption, I'm here to pick up my coat
- Torno a casa fra pocoI'm heading back home in a little while
- Ritorno domani mattinaI'll return tomorrow morning
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are talking about a trip to the beach.
- FrancescoQuando ritorno a casa stasera?When do I return home tonight?
- SofiaRitorno io a casa alle sei.I am returning home at six.
- FrancescoAllora partiamo subito.Then let's leave right away.
- SofiaSì, così ritorno presto.Yes, so I return early.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ritorno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ritorno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
