Synonym Boundary: "帰る", "戻る", "戻す", "返却", "返還"

When expressing "return" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "帰る", "戻る", "戻す", "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.
• 戻る (もどる (modoru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to return, to go back (intransitive)" and is used when Used for returning to a previous place, state, or condition. Intransitive, so it refers to the subject itself returning..
• 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..
• 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。.

Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!