Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "かえります", "帰る", "返す", "返る"
All represent the core concept "return", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
かえります
かえります (kaerimasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
帰る
かえる (kaeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
返す
かえす (kaesu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
返る
かえる (kaeru)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "return" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "かえります", "帰る", "返す", "返る" based on context.
- かえります (かえります (kaerimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to return, to go home" and is used when Used when returning to a place, typically one's home.
- 帰る (かえる (kaeru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to return, to go home" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when returning to a place, especially home.
- 返す (かえす (kaesu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to return (something); to give back" and is used when Used for returning physical items.
- 返る (かえる (kaeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to return, to come back (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something returns to its original state, place, or owner.
Context for "かえります"
毎日、会社から家に帰ります。
I go home from work every day.
Context for "帰る"
毎日、家に帰ります。
I go home every day.
Context for "返す"
借りた本を友達に返しました。
I returned the borrowed book to my friend.
Context for "返る"
借りた本が机の上に返っていました。
The borrowed book had been returned to the desk.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日、会社から家に帰ります。" (Meaning: "I go home from work every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "かえります" is correct here because it represents "to return, to go home" in the context: "I go home from work every day.".