Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "帰る", "帰り", "返却", "返還"
All represent the core concept "return", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
帰る
かえる (kaeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
帰り
かえり (kaeri)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
返却
へんきゃく (henkyaku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
返還
へんかん (henkan)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "return" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "帰る", "帰り", "返却", "返還" based on context.
- 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.
- 帰り (かえり (kaeri) - Level: N4): Maps to "return; coming back" and is used when Noun. Refers to the act or time of returning. Often used in phrases like 「〜の帰り」.
- 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..
- 返還 (へんかん (henkan) - Level: N2): Maps to "return, restoration, repayment" and is used when 借りたものや占有していたものを元の持ち主や国などに返すことを指す、やや堅い表現です。特に土地や主権など、公共性の高いものに使われます。.
Context for "帰る"
毎日、家に帰ります。
I go home every day.
Context for "帰り"
学校の帰りにスーパーに寄った。
I stopped by the supermarket on my way back from school.
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.
Context for "返還"
彼は借りた本を図書館に返還した。
He returned the borrowed book to the library.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日、家に帰ります。" (Meaning: "I go home every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "帰る" is correct here because it represents "to return, to go home" in the context: "I go home every day.".