返

JLPT N3

Return

Readings

On’yomi: ヘン (hen)

Kun’yomi: かえ(す), かえ(る) (kae(su), kae(ru))

• かえ(す) – to return (something) • かえ(る) – to return, to come back

Structure

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Composition: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

返す

かえす

return something

返事

へんじ

繰り返す

くりかえす

repeat

返品

へんぴん

return goods

返却

へんきゃく

give back

Example Sentences

本を返します。

ほんをかえします。

I return the book.

返事をします。

へんじをします。

I reply.

同じ事を繰り返します。

おなじことをくりかえします。

I repeat the same thing.

商品を返品します。

しょうひんをへんぴんします。

I return the product.

資料を返却します。

しりょうをへんきゃくします。

I return the materials.

Cultural Note

↩️ 返 embodies reciprocity and balance, key aspects of Japanese social interaction.
• Returning favors (お返し – okaeshi) and responding promptly (返信) reflect courtesy and respect.
• It shows the cultural value of mutual exchange, where giving and returning maintain harmony (和).
• In conversation, timely “返事 (henji)” is a sign of attentiveness and good manners.