Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "帰る", "返す", "帰り", "返る"
All represent the core concept "return", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
帰る
かえる (kaeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
返す
かえす (kaesu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
帰り
かえり (kaeri)
N4 / 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 "帰る", "返す", "帰り", "返る" 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.
- 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.
- 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 "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 "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、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.".