How to Say "go back" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “go back” is “regresa” — use this for a direct, informal command to a single person (tú) to return..
regresa
reh-GREH-sah/reˈɣɾesa/
Examples
Mi jefe nunca regresa de almorzar a tiempo.
My boss never returns from lunch on time.
Si olvidas algo, ¡regresa a buscarlo!
If you forget something, return to look for it!
¿Cuándo regresa usted a la oficina?
When are you (formal) returning to the office?
Dual Personality of 'Regresa'
This single form is used in two ways: 1) To state a fact about someone ('Él regresa' - He returns), and 2) To give a casual command ('¡Regresa!' - Return!).
Indicative Present Tense
This form uses the same conjugation as the infinitive minus the 'r' for the 'he/she/it' and formal 'you' persons (Usted).
Mixing up the 'You' forms
Mistake: “Saying 'Tú regresa' (mixing tú pronoun with the él/ella/usted verb form).”
Correction: The form 'regresa' already is the 'tú' command, but if you state a fact about tú, you must add the 's': 'Tú regresas mañana.' (You return tomorrow.)
vuelvan
/bwel-bán//ˈbwelβan/
Examples
Espero que vuelvan para la cena.
I hope they return for dinner.
¡Vuelvan a sus asientos inmediatamente!
Return to your seats immediately!
El jefe pidió que vuelvan a revisar el informe.
The boss asked them to review the report again.
Subjunctive vs. Indicative
You use 'vuelvan' (special form) when expressing doubt, desire, or emotion about their return: 'Dudo que vuelvan.' You use 'vuelven' (normal form) only for facts: 'Ellos vuelven hoy.'
Formal Command
'Vuelvan' is also the polite command form for addressing a group ('ustedes'): 'Vuelvan aquí, señores.' (Come back here, gentlemen.)
Confusing forms
Mistake: “No creo que ellos vuelven.”
Correction: No creo que ellos vuelvan. (The doubt word 'creer' requires the special verb form 'vuelvan'.)
regrese
/rre-GRÉ-se//reˈɣɾese/
Examples
Por favor, regrese a la caja con su recibo.
Please, return to the register with your receipt.
No quiero que regrese a la ciudad. Es peligroso.
I don't want him/her to return to the city. It's dangerous.
Dudo que yo regrese antes de medianoche.
I doubt that I will return before midnight.
The Formal Command
When you want to give a polite, formal instruction to someone you address as 'usted,' you use this special verb form: 'Regrese' (Return!).
The Subjunctive Trigger
'Regrese' is the special verb form (the subjunctive) required after verbs that express wishes, desires, or doubt, such as 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...).
Mixing Command Forms
Mistake: “Using the informal command for a formal person: 'Señor, regresa mañana.'”
Correction: Always use 'regrese' for the formal 'usted' command: 'Señor, regrese mañana.' The forms must match.
regresen
/reh-GREH-sehn//reˈɣɾesen/
Examples
¡Señores, regresen a sus asientos inmediatamente!
Gentlemen, return to your seats immediately!
Esperamos que los estudiantes regresen al campus la próxima semana.
We hope that the students return to campus next week.
No creo que ellas regresen antes de las diez.
I don't think that they (fem.) will come back before ten.
Formal Group Command
"Regresen" is the formal way to give an order to a group of people (ustedes). It means 'You all, return!'
Expressing Wishes and Doubt
This form is also used after verbs like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'dudo que' (I doubt that) when talking about 'they' or 'you all' returning.
Confusing Formal and Informal Commands
Mistake: “Saying *¡Regresan!* when giving a formal command to a group.”
Correction: The command form is *¡Regresen!* (using the special verb ending), not the regular present tense form *regresan*.
volved
/bohl-BED//bolˈβeð/
Examples
¡Volved pronto a casa!
Come back home soon!
Chicos, volved a leer el primer capítulo.
Guys, read the first chapter again.
Por favor, volved aquí cuando terminéis.
Please, come back here when you finish.
The plural command in Spain
To give a friendly command to a group in Spain, take the 'r' off the end of the verb (volver) and add a 'd' (volved). It's that simple!
No stem changes here
While the verb 'volver' often changes the 'o' to 'ue' (like in 'vuelvo'), this specific 'd' form never makes that change. Keep the 'o'!
Using the 'r' instead of 'd'
Mistake: “Saying 'volver pronto' to mean 'come back soon'.”
Correction: Use 'volved pronto'. In casual speech, some people say 'volver', but 'volved' is the correct form for commands.
Command vs. General Use
Related Translations
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