devuélvelo
/debwelbelo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "return it" is translated into Spanish as devuélvelo.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to give something back to the person who owns it or to a store.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the imperative verb devuelve (return) and the object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
The form of the phrase changes depending on the gender of the object being returned and the number of people being addressed. Use devuélvelo for a singular masculine object and devuélvela for a singular feminine object. If you are addressing more than one person, use devuélvanlo for a masculine object or devuélvanla for a feminine object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree with the gender of the object. Use lo if the object is masculine and la if the object is feminine. The verb form also changes based on whether you are speaking to one person or multiple people.
How do you pronounce it?
/debwelbelo/
Did you know?
- While devuélvelo is used for returning an object, Spanish speakers use the verb volver to describe a person returning to a place. Using devuélvelo to tell a person to return to a room would sound like you are treating them as a physical object.
- The word devolver is also used when someone returns a phone call, using the phrase devolver la llamada.
- The verb devolver is built from volver (to return) and the prefix de-, which in this context indicates a reversal or returning something to its original owner.
Examples in context
- Devuélvelo cuando estés listo.Return it when you are done.This sentence shows how to use devuélvelo to specify a timeframe.Tatoeba #3416635 by marcelostockle, translation #2145954 by Maralula
- Cuando acabes de leer ese libro, por favor, devuélvelo.When you've finished reading that book, please return it.This sentence uses devuélvelo to ask someone to return a book after reading.Tatoeba #7950391 by arh, translation #7935392 by CK
- Si terminaste de leer el libro, devuélvelo a la biblioteca.If you have finished reading the book, return it to the library.This sentence uses devuélvelo to instruct someone to return a book to a library.Tatoeba #3145277 by marcelostockle, translation #43872 by adjusting
Example conversation
Daniel borrowed a tool from María and is finished using it.
- DanielYa terminé de usar el destornillador.I'm finished using the screwdriver.
- MaríaEstá bien, devuélvelo a la caja.That's fine, return it to the box.
- DanielLo hago ahora mismo, María.I'll do it right now, María.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel.Thank you, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
