Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "かえります", "返す", "返る", "戻す", "返却"
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
返す
かえす (kaesu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
返る
かえる (kaeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
戻す
もどす (modosu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
返却
へんきゃく (henkyaku)
N3 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "return" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "かえります", "返す", "返る", "戻す", "返却" 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.
- 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.
- 戻す (もどす (modosu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to return (something); to put back; to vomit" and is used when This is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. It is commonly used to express returning an item to its original place or state. For example, 「本を棚に戻す」.
- 返却 (へんきゃく (henkyaku) - Level: N3): Maps to "return (of something borrowed)" and is used when A formal term for returning an item, often used in contexts like libraries or rental services..
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 "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.
Context for "戻す"
借りた本を図書館に**戻し**ました。
I **returned** the book I borrowed to the library.
Context for "返却"
借りた本は期日までに返却してください。
Please return borrowed books by the due date.
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.".