How to Say "return" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “return” is “vuelva” — use 'vuelva' as a polite command or request for a single person ('usted') to come back or return.
vuelva
bwel-bahˈbwelba
Examples
Por favor, vuelva mañana a las diez.
Please, come back tomorrow at ten.
Si no funciona, vuelva a empezar desde el principio.
If it doesn't work, start over again from the beginning.
No vuelva a llamarme a este número.
Don't call me at this number again.
Polite Commands (Usted)
Vuelva is how you tell one person to 'come back' in a formal or polite way (when you would call them 'usted'). For example, a receptionist might say, 'Vuelva mañana, por favor.'
Formal vs. Informal
Mistake: “Using `vuelve` when speaking to a stranger or in a formal setting.”
Correction: Use `vuelva` for 'usted' (formal you) and `vuelve` for 'tú' (informal you). `Vuelva` shows more respect.
vuelvan
bwel-bánˈbwelβan
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'.)
regreso
rreh-GREH-sohreˈɡɾeso
Examples
El regreso a casa fue muy tranquilo.
The return home was very calm.
Estamos esperando el regreso del director.
We are waiting for the director's return.
Su regreso al equipo fue una gran noticia para los aficionados.
His comeback to the team was great news for the fans.
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'.
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.
vuelta
bwel-taˈbwelta
Examples
Prefiero comprar un billete de ida y vuelta.
I prefer to buy a round-trip ticket.
La vuelta a casa fue más tranquila.
The return home was calmer.
Te llamo a la vuelta de mis vacaciones.
I'll call you on my return from vacation.
devolución
Examples
Necesito hacer una devolución porque la camisa es muy pequeña.
I need to make a return because the shirt is too small.
retorno
reh-TOR-noreˈtoɾno
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.
regresen
reh-GREH-sehnreˈɣɾesen
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-BEDbolˈβeð
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.
rendimiento
ren-dee-myehn-tohren.diˈmjen.to
Examples
Esta cuenta de ahorros ofrece un rendimiento del tres por ciento.
This savings account offers a three percent yield.
Buscamos inversiones con un rendimiento seguro a largo plazo.
We are looking for investments with a secure long-term return.
El rendimiento neto fue menor de lo esperado.
The net profit was lower than expected.
Percentages with 'del'
When talking about a specific percentage of yield, use 'un rendimiento del [number] por ciento'.
Rendimiento vs. Interés
Mistake: “Using 'interés' when you mean total profit.”
Correction: While 'interés' is the rate, 'rendimiento' is the overall result or 'yield' of the money working for you.
Nouns vs. Verbs, and Polite vs. Informal Commands
Related Translations
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