How to Say “Return” in Spanish

Ways to say it

The verbs are used when someone or something comes or goes back. You can also use regresar to mean 'to go back'. When you want to say 'return to' a place or state, you can use volver a or regresar a. Additionally, the phrase 'come back' can be expressed using regresar or volver a venir, while the expression Venir de vuelta literally translates to 'come back'. For nouns, regreso, retorno or vuelta describe the act of returning, but if you are referring to the act of returning an item (such as a purchase or a borrowed object), you should use nouns like devolución, retrovendición or retroventa.

Which one should you use?

volver is the most common and versatile way to say 'to return' or 'to go back' in everyday Spanish. regresar is a more colloquial option. retornar is a more formal or literary synonym often used in written language, formal speeches or specific contexts like returning a physical object or a formal return to a position. While regreso or retorno describe the act of coming back, the noun vuelta is used specifically to describe a return trip or a physical turn or rotation.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

regresar is considered colloquial. retornar is more formal and is often employed in written language or formal speeches.

Is it said differently in some regions?

regresar is especially common in Latin American countries. In Mexico, you may come across the form regresarse instead of regresar.

Related words

Act of returning (noun): regreso, retorno, vuelta.

Act of returning an item (noun): retrovendición, retroventa, devolución.

How does it change in a sentence?

The construction volver a followed by an infinitive is used to express that an action is being repeated, meaning 'to [verb] again'.

How do you pronounce it?

/bolˈbeɾ/