Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 戻る | modoru | [mo̞do̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 帰る | kaeru | [ka̠e̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The verb 戻る is used for returning to a previous location, position or state. This includes figurative uses, such as returning to a previous topic in a conversation or returning to a previous state of being. For the act of returning as a noun, you can use 復帰, 返却 or 帰還. In computing, 復帰 specifically refers to the act of relinquishing control to the calling procedure.
Which one should you use?
While both mean to return, they are used in different contexts. 戻る is a general term for returning to a place, position or state. In contrast, 帰る is specifically used when returning to a place where one belongs, such as one's home, one's country or one's home base.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
modoru
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 戻る when you specifically mean you are going home. In that context, 帰る is the natural choice.
Did you know?
- Japanese uses different nouns for 'return' depending on the object, such as 返却 specifically for returning a borrowed item like a library book.
- When talking about a soldier or an explorer returning from a dangerous journey, the specific term 帰還 is used instead of the standard verbs.
- The verb 帰る is part of a family of words including 帰す, which means to 'send someone home' rather than returning oneself.
Examples in context
- いつ戻る予定ですか？When do you plan to return?This sentence is useful for asking about plans regarding the form 戻る.Tatoeba #11571592 by small_snow, translation #12417063 by CK
- トムはいつ家に帰るの？When will Tom return home?This sentence is useful for asking about going home using the form 帰る.Tatoeba #7708273 by Ninja, translation #7706753 by CK
- 帰るつもりはありません。It is not my intention to return.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention using the form 帰る.Tatoeba #183313 by KK_kaku_, translation #20435 by moman
- この本を図書館に返します。I will return this book to the library.
- 昨日借りたCDを返すよ。I will return the CD I borrowed yesterday.
- 明日、ゲームを取り戻しに行く。Tomorrow, I'll go to get my game back.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are talking at a cafe about their schedules.
- 陽太 Yota何時にオフィスに戻る？Nanji ni ofisu ni modoru?What time will you return to the office?
- 陽葵 Himari三時頃に戻る予定だよ。Sanji goro ni modoru yotei da yo.I plan to return around three.
- 陽太 Yota分かった、じゃあまた後で。Wakatta, jaa mata ato de.Got it, see you later then.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、またね。Un, mata ne.Yeah, see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “return” translations and entries 戻る, 帰る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
