Inklingo

How to Say "coming back" in Spanish

English → Spanish

regresando

reh-greh-SAHN-dohre.ɣɾe.ˈsan.do

verbA1general
Use 'regresando' when describing the physical act of moving back towards the speaker or a point of reference, often implying a destination is being reached.
A small bird flying back to its cozy nest in a green tree.

Examples

Estoy regresando a casa ahora mismo.

I am returning home right now.

Seguimos regresando al mismo restaurante porque es delicioso.

We keep coming back to the same restaurant because it is delicious.

Te vi regresando del parque esta mañana.

I saw you coming back from the park this morning.

The '-ando' Ending

This word is a 'gerund,' which is the Spanish version of the English '-ing' form. You create it by taking the verb 'regresar' and swapping the '-ar' for '-ando'.

Pairing with 'Estar'

To say you ARE doing something right now, pair this word with the verb 'estar' (e.g., 'Estoy regresando' means 'I am returning').

Using it as a Noun

Mistake: “Using 'regresando' to mean 'the act of returning' as a subject.”

Correction: In Spanish, if you want to use a verb as a noun (like 'Returning is hard'), use the base form 'Regresar' instead: 'Regresar es difícil'.

volviendo

bol-byén-dobolˈbjendo

verbA1general
Use 'volviendo' for the general movement of returning, especially when the focus is on the journey or the act of turning back towards a starting point or location.
A small figure walking on a path towards a colorful, welcoming house, illustrating the concept of returning or going back to a place.

Examples

Estamos volviendo de la playa. ¡Hace mucho tráfico!

We are returning from the beach. There is a lot of traffic!

Llevo tres horas volviendo a mi ciudad natal.

I've been returning to my hometown for three hours.

Continuous Action

This form ('volviendo') is used with a form of 'estar' (like 'estoy', 'estás') to show an action happening right now, just like the '-ing' form in English.

Adverbial Use

It can also describe how an action is performed: 'Salió de la habitación volviendo la cabeza' (He left the room turning his head).

Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'

Mistake: “Soy volviendo.”

Correction: Estoy volviendo. Remember to use 'estar' when describing temporary or ongoing actions.

retorno

reh-TOR-noreˈtoɾno

nounA2general
Use 'retorno' when referring to the concept or event of returning after an absence or trip, rather than the action itself.
A traveler with a backpack walking through a front door into a cozy house.

Examples

Deseamos que tengas un feliz retorno a casa.

We wish you a happy return home.

El retorno del rey fue un evento histórico.

The return of the king was a historic event.

Always Masculine

Even if a woman is returning, you always use 'el retorno'. The word itself is masculine and doesn't change based on the person.

Return vs. Refund

Mistake: “Using 'retorno' when returning a shirt to a store.”

Correction: Use 'devolución' for returning items. Use 'retorno' for people or investments coming back.

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse 'retorno' (noun) with 'regresando' or 'volviendo' (verbs). Remember that 'retorno' names the act of returning, while 'regresando' and 'volviendo' describe the action in progress.

Related Translations

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