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"Volver" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to return", and "regresar" is an intransitive verb which is also often translated as "to return". Learn more about the difference between "volver" and "regresar" below.
volver(
bohl
-
behr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to be back)
a. to return
Vuelve con el recibo si quieres un crédito en la tienda.Return with the receipt if you want store credit.
c. to go back
Solo llevo una semana de vuelta pero ya quiero volver a España.I've only been back a week and I already want to go back to Spain.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Tengo que volver a limpiarlo todo!I have to clean everything again!
Volverá a llover este fin de semana.It will rain again this weekend.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to swivel)
volverse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to be back)
a. to return
Se volvió a España porque no encontró trabajo acá.He returned to Spain because he couldn't find a job here.
b. to come back
Vuélvanse antes de que los agarre la tormenta.Come back before you get caught in the storm.
c. to go back
Me tuve que volver temprano para sacar al perro.I had to go back early to take the dog out.
a. to turn around
Me volví para enfrentar a los que me estaban insultando.I turned around to face those who were insulting me.
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.
