
retornar Present Conjugation
retornar — to return
The present tense of 'retornar' (retorno, retornas, etc.) describes current actions or habits of returning.
retornar Present Forms
When to Use the Present
Use the present tense for actions happening right now, habitual actions of returning something or returning somewhere, or general truths related to returning.
Notes on retornar in the Present
'Retornar' is a regular -ar verb in the present indicative tense. All forms follow the standard conjugation pattern.
Example Sentences
Ahora mismo retorno el paquete.
Right now, I am returning the package.
yo
¿Tú retornas a casa a las seis cada día?
Do you return home at six every day?
tú
Él retorna los libros a la biblioteca cada mes.
He returns the books to the library every month.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros retornamos al trabajo después de las vacaciones.
We are returning to work after the holidays.
nosotros
Ellos retornan la llamada más tarde.
They return the call later.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present progressive for simple present actions: 'Estoy retornando el libro'.
Correct: 'Retorno el libro'.
Why: While 'estoy retornando' is grammatically correct for an action in progress, the simple present 'retorno' is often used and preferred for immediate actions or habits.
Mistake: Confusing 'retornamos' (present) with 'retornamos' (preterite).
Correct: Context usually clarifies: 'Ayer retornamos' (preterite) vs. 'Hoy retornamos' (present).
Why: The nosotros form in the present and preterite is identical; rely on time indicators.
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Related Tenses
Preterite
yo: retorné
The preterite of 'retornar' is regular: retorné, retornaste, retornó, retornamos, retornasteis, retornaron.
Imperfect
yo: retornaba
The imperfect of 'retornar' (retornaba, retornabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual past actions of returning.
Future
yo: retornaré
The future tense of 'retornar' (retornaré, retornarás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: retornaría
The conditional of 'retornar' (retornaría, retornarías, etc.) expresses hypothetical actions, polite requests, or future-in-the-past.
Present Subjunctive
yo: retorne
The present subjunctive of 'retornar' (retorne, retornes, etc.) expresses wishes, doubts, emotions, and uncertainty.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: retornara
The imperfect subjunctive of 'retornar' (retornara, retornaras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or suggestions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: retorna
Use 'retorna' (tú), 'retorne' (usted), 'retornemos' (nosotros), 'retornad' (vosotros), 'retornen' (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no retornes
Negative commands use 'no' + present subjunctive: 'no retornes' (tú), 'no retorne' (usted), etc.