How to Say "giving back" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “giving back” is “devolución” — use 'devolución' when referring to the act of returning an item you purchased or borrowed, often to a store or lender.
Use 'devolución' when referring to the act of returning an item you purchased or borrowed, often to a store or lender.
Learn more →
Use 'regresando' (from the verb 'regresar') when the action is about the physical movement of returning to a place or a previous state, not specifically returning an item.
Learn more →devolución
Examples
Hice la devolución del vestido porque no me quedaba bien.
I made the return of the dress because it didn't fit me well.
reh-greh-SAHN-dohre.ɣɾe.ˈsan.do
Examples
Ya estoy regresando el libro a la biblioteca.
I am already returning the book to the library.
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'.
Noun vs. Verb for Returning
Learners often confuse 'devolución' (a noun for returning items) with 'regresando' (a verb form for the act of returning). Remember that 'devolución' is the *thing* being returned or the *act* of returning an item, while 'regresando' describes the *action* of going back or sending something back.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.