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"Come back" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "volver", and "be back" is a phrase which is often translated as "vuelve". Learn more about the difference between "come back" and "be back" below.
come back(
kuhm
bahk
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to return)
2. (to reply)
a. replicar
I wanted to come back with a witty remark but couldn't think of anything.Quería replicar con alguna agudeza pero no se me ocurrió nada.
a. volver a contactar
I'll come back to you this afternoon with more information.Volveré a contactar contigo esta tarde con más información.
a. volver a la memoria
When I smelled the flowers, memories of my childhood came back to me.Al oler las flores, me volvieron a la memoria recuerdos de mi infancia.
a. llegar en respuesta
I sent my friend an email, and a message came back that the address does not exist.Le envié un correo electrónico a mi amigo, pero me llegó en respuesta un mensaje diciendo que la dirección no existe.
a. dar
Susie had a pregnancy test done last week, but it came back negative.Susie se hizo un test de embarazo la semana pasada, pero dio negativo.
a. remontar
The Serbs came back in the final quarter, but the Spanish team held on to win.Los serbios remontaron en el último cuarto, pero el equipo español aguantó y venció.
b. recuperarse
He came back to win the match three sets to one.Se recuperó para ganar el partido por tres sets a uno.
be back(
bi
bahk
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. vuelve (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Be back before 5:00 so we can catch the train.Vuelve antes de las 5:00 para que podamos tomar el tren.
b. regresa (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Be back as soon as you can.Regresa tan pronto como puedas.
c. estáte de vuelta (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Be back in front of the cathedral at 4 pm.Estáte de vuelta delante de la catedral a las 4 pm.
d. vuelva (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Be back here in an hour, please.Vuelva aquí en una hora, por favor.
e. regrese (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Be back at the hotel by two.Regrese al hotel antes de las dos.
f. estése de vuelta (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
You can leave for a few minutes, but be back by one o'clock.Puede salir por unos minutos, pero estése de vuelta antes de la una.
c. esténse de vuelta (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
Be back here around two. The bus will be here waiting.Esténse de vuelta a eso de las dos. El autobús estará aquí esperando.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
3. (to return)
c. estar de vuelta
We can talk about this again when I'm back.Podemos hablar de esto otra vez cuando esté de vuelta.
