vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Partir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to cut", and "regresar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to return". Learn more about the difference between "partir" and "regresar" below.
partir(
pahr
-
teer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to slice)
2. (to divide)
a. to break
Se fue sin explicación y me partió el corazón.She left without explanation and broke my heart.
Le dijeron que si no pagaba la deuda, le iban a partir las piernas.They told him that if he didn't pay the debt, they were going to break his legs.
a. to crack
A los niños les encanta usar el cascanueces para partir las nueces.The kids love to use the nutcracker to crack the nuts.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (to depart)
b. to set off
Mañana temprano parto hacia California por coche.I'm setting off for California by car early tomorrow.
partirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
regresar(
rreh
-
greh
-
sahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to return
Regresa con la factura si quieres un crédito de la tienda.Return with the receipt if you want store credit.
c. to go back
Solo llevo una semana de vuelta, pero ya quiero regresar a España.I've only been back a week and I already want to go back to Spain.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to hand back) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to return
Tendrás que regresar el vestido si no te sirve.You'll have to return the dress if it doesn't fit.
b. to give back
Regrésale los libros cuando termines con ellos.Give the books back to him when you've finished with them.
regresarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
3. (to be back) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to return
Se regresaron después de dos meses de estar perdidos. They returned after two months of being missing.
