Need to know the difference between regresar and devolver

Question

So I am trying to learn the difference between the two and I feel like I have a decent idea but I was hoping that some of the natives could guide me down the correct path.

I think that they go as followed....

Regresar - to travel back to, or to return from a trip

Devolver - to return a borrowed item

Also if you can think of any other words that translate to "return" I would like to hear them.

Any help is greatly appreciated

¡Muchas gracias!

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Answer 1

The only word you did not include was "volver" which means essentially the same as "regresar" which as you noted means to return from a trip. "Volví a casa a las diez de la noche." I returned home at 10pm.

Another meaning of "volver" is to do something again.

"Después de descansar unos momentos, los excursionistas volvieron a caminar hacia la montaña." After resting a few moments the hikers started continued (or started) walking toward the mountain again.

Answer 2

Regresar y devolver. Regresar is used when you need to comeback to a place, "debo regresar al trabajo a las 5pm", I must return to work at 5pm. I will return to this restaurant the friday"Voy a regresar a este restaurante el viernes Devolver", is used when you return something back. "Debo devolver esta película a la tienda" i must return this movie to the store. "Quiero devolver esta camisa, no me gusto el color" I want to return this shirt, I didn't like the color. In spanish, at least in México, they meant the same. Debo regresar la pluma que me prestaron. Debo devolver la pluma que me prestaron. "Devolver" sounds more formal, but you can exchange it for regresar. The explanation that Daniela gave you of "volver" is also correct, do something again, or comeback to a place.

Answer 3

As in "Tenía que volver/regresar al hotel para devolver la llave del cuarto." "I had to go back to the hotel to return the room key."

Answer 4

Volver= To return in a general sense Regresar= to return in a general sense devolver= to return things

Examples: Yo he vuelto a Los Estados Unidos.= I have returned to the United States La familia regresó de su viaje.= The family returned from their trip. Yo devuelvo los libros a la biblioteca.= I am going to return the books to the library.

¡Buena suerte en su viaje de español!