QUICK ANSWER
"Come back" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "volver", and "go back" is an intransitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "volver". Learn more about the difference between "come back" and "go 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.
go back(
go
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)
c. regresarse (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I have to go back to the hotel to get my luggage before 6 pm.Tengo que regresarme al hotel para recoger mi equipaje antes de las 6 pm.
a. volver atrás
I acted like such an idiot. I wish I could go back.Me porté como un verdadero imbécil. Ojalá pudiera volver atrás.
b. volverse atrás
They had taken a crucial step, and they knew there was no going back.Habían dado un paso decisivo y sabían que no existía la posibilidad de volverse atrás.
a. conocerse desde hace tiempo
Adam and I go way back. We went to elementary school together.Adam y yo nos conocemos desde hace mucho tiempo. Hicimos juntos la primaria.
a. volver
To go back to what you were saying about your children, mine do the exact same thing.Volviendo a lo que me decías de tus hijos, los míos hacen exactamente lo mismo.
a. volver
I don't know why she went back to her girlfriend. She treated her really poorly.No sé por que volvió con su novia. Se portó muy mal con ella.
6. (to date)
a. remontarse
The origins of the castle go back to the 12th century.Los orígenes del castillo se remontan al siglo XXII.
a. atrasarse
Do the clocks go back an hour tonight, or tomorrow night?¿Es esta noche cuando se atrasan los relojes una hora, o es mañana por la noche?
8. (to extend)