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devolver

deh-bohl-VEHRde.βolˈβeɾ

“devolver” means “to return” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to return, to give back

Also: to hand back
VerbA2irregular (o > ue stem change) er
Two simplified cartoon hands are shown exchanging a bright red object, symbolizing the act of giving an item back.
infinitivedevolver
gerunddevolviendo
past Participledevuelto

📝 In Action

Necesito devolver este libro a la biblioteca hoy.

A2

I need to return this book to the library today.

¿Puedes devolverme la chaqueta que te presté?

A2

Can you give me back the jacket I lent you?

La tienda no devuelve artículos sin el recibo.

B1

The store does not accept returns without the receipt.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • regresar (to return (less common for objects))
  • reembolsar (to refund (specific to money))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • devolver un artículo – to return an item
  • la política de devolución – the return policy

to refund, to repay

Also: to answer back
VerbB1irregular (o > ue stem change) er
A hand places several folded green paper bills into the open palm of another hand, illustrating a monetary refund.

📝 In Action

El banco nos devolvió el dinero de la comisión.

B1

The bank refunded us the money for the commission.

Nunca podré devolverte el favor que me hiciste.

B2

I will never be able to repay the favor you did for me.

Ella me devolvió la mirada con una sonrisa.

C1

She returned my gaze with a smile (She smiled back at me).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • restituir (to restore, to give back (formal))
  • corresponder (to return a favor)

Common Collocations

  • devolver el golpe – to strike back
  • devolver la llamada – to return the call

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/usteddevuelve
yodevuelvo
túdevuelves
ellos/ellas/ustedesdevuelven
nosotrosdevolvemos
vosotrosdevolvéis

imperfect

él/ella/usteddevolvía
yodevolvía
túdevolvías
ellos/ellas/ustedesdevolvían
nosotrosdevolvíamos
vosotrosdevolvías

preterite

él/ella/usteddevolvió
yodevolví
túdevolviste
ellos/ellas/ustedesdevolvieron
nosotrosdevolvimos
vosotrosdevolvisteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/usteddevuelva
yodevuelva
túdevuelvas
ellos/ellas/ustedesdevuelvan
nosotrosdevolvamos
vosotrosdevolváis

imperfect

él/ella/usteddevuelva
yodevuelva
túdevuelvas
ellos/ellas/ustedesdevuelvan
nosotrosdevolvamos
vosotrosdevolvamos
View All Tenses & Moods →

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "devolver" in Spanish:

to refund→to repay→to return→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: devolver

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'devolver'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
devolución(return, refund (noun)) — Noun
devuelto(returned (adjective/past participle)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Formed by combining the prefix 'de-' (meaning 'back' or 'reversal') and the verb 'volver' (meaning 'to turn' or 'to return'). Essentially, it means 'to turn back' or 'to send back.'

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: devolverItalian: devolvere

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'devolver' the same as 'regresar'?

No. 'Devolver' means to return an object or money (it needs a direct object). 'Regresar' means to return to a place (like returning home).

Why is the past participle 'devuelto' and not 'devolvido'?

'Devolver' is based on the verb 'volver,' which has an irregular past participle ('vuelto'). Because of this, 'devolver' also uses the irregular form 'devuelto.' This is common in Spanish verbs that share a root.