regreso
/rreh-GREH-soh/
return
This image shows the noun form of regreso, meaning "return," as the act of coming back.
regreso(Noun)
return
?The act of coming or going back
journey back
?The trip back to a starting point
,comeback
?A return to a former state or position, e.g., in sports
📝 In Action
El regreso a casa fue muy tranquilo.
A2The return home was very calm.
Estamos esperando el regreso del director.
B1We are waiting for the director's return.
Su regreso al equipo fue una gran noticia para los aficionados.
B2His comeback to the team was great news for the fans.
💡 Grammar Points
A Noun: The Thing or Idea
When you see 'regreso' with words like 'el', 'un', or 'mi' in front of it, it's a noun. It's talking about the idea of a return, not the action itself. For example, 'El regreso' means 'The return'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Regreso' and 'Vuelta'
Mistake: "Using 'regreso' when 'vuelta' is more natural, like for a quick trip."
Correction: Both mean 'return', but 'vuelta' is common for short trips ('doy una vuelta' - I'll take a walk around). 'Regreso' strongly implies coming back to where you started from.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Phrase 'de regreso'
You'll often hear 'de regreso', which means 'on the way back'. For example: 'Compraré pan de regreso a casa' (I'll buy bread on the way back home).
This image shows the verb form of regreso, meaning "I return," illustrating the first-person action of coming back.
regreso(Verb)
I return
?The action of returning
I come back
?Returning to where the listener is
,I go back
?Returning to a place away from the listener
📝 In Action
Regreso a la oficina después de almorzar.
A1I return to the office after having lunch.
Normalmente regreso a pie, pero hoy llueve.
A2I normally come back on foot, but today it's raining.
Si no encuentro el libro, regreso a la tienda mañana.
B1If I don't find the book, I'll go back to the store tomorrow.
💡 Grammar Points
A Verb: The Action
When 'regreso' stands alone or is near 'yo', it's the verb for 'I return' or 'I come back'. Spanish often drops the 'yo' because the '-o' ending already tells you who is doing the action.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'a'
Mistake: "Regreso la casa."
Correction: Regreso a la casa. When you're returning *to* a place, you almost always need the little word 'a' right after the verb.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Come back' or 'Go back'?
In English, we say 'come back' if someone is returning here, and 'go back' if they're returning there. Spanish keeps it simple: 'regreso' works for both! The situation makes the meaning clear.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: regreso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'regreso' as a noun (an idea), not a verb (an action)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'regresar' and 'volver'?
They are very close and you can often use either one. Think of it this way: 'volver' is a bit more common in everyday, casual chat. 'Regresar' is perfectly normal too, but can sometimes feel a tiny bit more formal or specific, really emphasizing the journey back to a starting point.
How can I tell if 'regreso' is a noun or a verb?
Look for clues! If you see 'el', 'un', 'mi', or another describing word right before it, it's the noun: 'el regreso' (the return). If it's the main action of the sentence, often at the beginning, it's the verb: 'Regreso a las 8' (I return at 8).