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"Volver" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to return", and "retornar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to return". Learn more about the difference between "volver" and "retornar" 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.
retornar(
rreh
-
tohr
-
nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to return
Pagan cinco pesos por cada botella de cerveza que retornes.You get five pesos for each beer bottle you return.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to go back
Tengo que retornar a casa. Está oscureciendo.I have to go back home. It's getting dark.
