regresar
“regresar” means “to return” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to return, to go back
Also: to come back
📝 In Action
Regreso a casa a las cinco de la tarde.
A2I return home at five in the afternoon.
¿A qué hora regresan tus padres del viaje?
A2What time do your parents get back from the trip?
Tenemos que regresar al hotel antes de que llueva.
B1We have to go back to the hotel before it rains.
to return, to give back
Also: to take back
📝 In Action
Voy a regresar este suéter a la tienda porque no me queda.
B1I'm going to return this sweater to the store because it doesn't fit me.
Por favor, regresa los libros a la biblioteca antes del viernes.
A2Please, return the books to the library before Friday.
Le regresé el dinero que me prestó ayer.
B1I gave him back the money he lent me yesterday.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "regresar" in Spanish:
to return→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: regresar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'regresar' to talk about GIVING SOMETHING BACK?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'regressus,' which is part of the verb 'regradi,' meaning 'to go back' or 'return.' It's built from two simple parts: 're-' (meaning 'back') and 'gradi' (meaning 'to step' or 'to walk'). So, it literally means 'to step back'!
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'regresar' and 'volver'?
When talking about returning to a place, they are almost identical and you can use them interchangeably. 'Volver' might be slightly more common in Spain. However, when you want to talk about returning an object (like a library book), 'regresar' works, but 'devolver' is the more specific and common verb for that action. You wouldn't use 'volver' for returning an object.
Is 'regresar' a regular verb?
Yes, it's a completely regular '-ar' verb. It follows all the standard conjugation patterns, which makes it a great verb to learn early on!