devolver
/deh-bohl-VEHR/
to return
Devolver (to return): Giving an item back to its owner.
devolver(verb)
to return
?giving an item back to its owner or the store
,to give back
?a physical object
to hand back
?a small item
📝 In Action
Necesito devolver este libro a la biblioteca hoy.
A2I need to return this book to the library today.
¿Puedes devolverme la chaqueta que te presté?
A2Can you give me back the jacket I lent you?
La tienda no devuelve artículos sin el recibo.
B1The store does not accept returns without the receipt.
💡 Grammar Points
Irregularity: O to UE
In the present tense, the 'o' in the middle of 'devolver' changes to 'ue' (like 'dormir' or 'volver'), except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Devolver' and 'Volver'
Mistake: "Using 'volver' when you mean 'to return an object' (e.g., *Volví el libro*)."
Correction: Use 'devolver' for returning an object. 'Volver' means 'to return' in the sense of 'to go back to a place' (e.g., *Volví a casa*).
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Object Needed
'Devolver' always needs to say what you are returning. If you are just talking about returning to a location, use volver or regresar.
Devolver (to refund): Returning money.
devolver(verb)
to refund
?returning money
,to repay
?returning a debt or favor
to answer back
?to return a comment or look
📝 In Action
El banco nos devolvió el dinero de la comisión.
B1The bank refunded us the money for the commission.
Nunca podré devolverte el favor que me hiciste.
B2I will never be able to repay the favor you did for me.
Ella me devolvió la mirada con una sonrisa.
C1She returned my gaze with a smile (She smiled back at me).
💡 Grammar Points
Using Reflexive Pronouns
When used to mean 'to pay back' or 'to return something to oneself' (e.g., regaining energy), you might see it used as devolverse, though this is less common than the transitive use.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Pagar Atrás'
Mistake: "Translating 'to pay back' literally as *pagar atrás*."
Correction: Use 'devolver el dinero' or 'reembolsar' for financial returns.
⭐ Usage Tips
Financial Context
'Devolver' is the standard way to talk about receiving a refund or giving money back.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: devolver
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'devolver'?
📚 More Resources
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.