Devolver vs Regresar
Devolver = give something back. Regresar = go back yourself.
devolver
To give an object back, to return an item to someone or someplace.
deh-bohl-BEHRregresar
To go back to a place, to return to a location or previous state.
reh-greh-SARQuick Rule
Devolver = give something back. Regresar = go back yourself.
Think: Devolver has a 'V' like 'giVe' an object. Regresar has a 'G' like 'Go' to a place.
- In some regions, 'regresar' can be used to mean 'give back an item', but it's much less common. When in doubt, always use 'devolver' for objects.
Comparison Table
| Context | devolver | regresar | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| At the library | Devolví los libros. | Regresé a la biblioteca. | You 'devolver' the objects (books), but you 'regresar' to the place (library). |
| Shopping | Voy a devolver los zapatos. | Regreso a la tienda mañana. | Devolver for the item you bought, regresar for you physically going back to the store. |
| With a friend | Le devolví su paraguas. | Regresé a su casa. | You give back ('devolver') an object, but you go back ('regresar') to a location. |
| Phone calls | Te devuelvo la llamada. | Regresé a mi oficina para llamar. | You return a call (action) with 'devolver', but you return to a place with 'regresar'. |
When to Use "devolver / regresar"
devolver
To give an object back, to return an item to someone or someplace.
deh-bohl-BEHR
Returning a purchased item
Quiero devolver esta camisa.
I want to return this shirt.
Giving back something borrowed
Tengo que devolverle el libro a Juan.
I have to return the book to Juan.
Returning a call or a favor
Te devuelvo la llamada más tarde.
I'll return your call later.
regresar
To go back to a place, to return to a location or previous state.
reh-greh-SAR
Returning to a location
Regresamos a casa a las diez.
We returned home at ten.
Coming back from a trip
¿Cuándo regresas de tu viaje?
When are you coming back from your trip?
Returning to a previous state or topic
Regresemos al tema principal.
Let's return to the main topic.
Contrast Examples
With "devolver":
Le devolví las llaves a mi amigo.
I returned the keys to my friend.
With "regresar":
Regresé a la casa de mi amigo porque olvidé mis llaves.
I returned to my friend's house because I forgot my keys.
The Difference: 'Devolver' focuses on the action of giving the object back. 'Regresar' focuses on your physical movement back to the location.
With "devolver":
El cliente devolvió la camisa.
The customer returned the shirt.
With "regresar":
El cliente regresó a la tienda.
The customer returned to the store.
The Difference: The customer performs two different 'return' actions: they 'devolver' the item, and they 'regresar' to the place.
Common Mistakes
Voy a regresar el libro a la biblioteca.
Voy a devolver el libro a la biblioteca.
When you are returning an object, the correct verb is 'devolver'. 'Regresar' is for when you yourself are going back somewhere.
Tengo que devolver a casa.
Tengo que regresar a casa.
You can't 'give back' to a place. When you are the one going back to a location, always use 'regresar'.
Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Devolver vs Regresar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is correct for taking a shirt back to a store?
Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are 'regresar' and 'volver' the same?
They are very similar and often interchangeable when talking about returning to a place. 'Regresar' is slightly more common in Latin America, while 'volver' is common everywhere. Both mean 'to go back', but neither means 'to give an object back' like 'devolver' does.
Can I ever use 'regresar' for an object?
In some places, you might hear people say 'regresar un libro'. While it's understood, it's not standard in most of the Spanish-speaking world. Using 'devolver' for objects is always the safer and more correct choice.