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"Regresar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to return", and "devolver" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to give back". Learn more about the difference between "regresar" and "devolver" below.
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.
devolver(
deh
-
bohl
-
behr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to restore)
a. to give back
¿Podrías devolver estos libros a la bibliotecaria?Could you give these books back to the librarian?
b. to return
Como no le gustaron los zapatos, los devolvió.As he didn't like the shoes, he returned them.
c. to take back
¿Has devuelto la película al videoclub?Have you taken the movie back to the video store?
d. to send back
Devolvieron al prisionero a la cárcel tras haberse escapado.The prisoner was sent back to prison after having escaped.
2. (economics)
a. to give back
Me tienen que devolver dos dólares porque pagué diez y valía ocho.They have to give me back two dollars because I paid ten, and it cost eight.
b. to refund
Si el vendedor no le devuelve el dinero, puede presentar una demanda.If the vendor does not refund your money, you can file a complaint.
c. to return
Devolvieron el cheque porque no había suficientes fondos.They returned the check because there were insufficient funds.
4. (to vomit)
a. to throw up
Miles tiene gripa; por eso está devolviendo todo lo que come.Miles has got the flu; that's why he's throwing up everything he eats.
b. to bring up
El perro estaba enfermo y devolvió la comida que había comido.The dog was sick and brought up the food he'd eaten.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (to vomit)
devolverse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to go back) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
