How to Say "returned" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “returned” is “regresó” — use this when 'returned' refers to someone or something going back to a place, conjugated in the preterite tense for he/she/it..
Examples
Ella regresó a casa después del trabajo.
She returned home after work.
devuelto
/deh-BWEHL-toh//deˈβwelto/
Examples
El libro devuelto tiene una mancha.
The returned book has a stain.
Ese es dinero devuelto por el banco.
That is money returned by the bank.
He devuelto las llaves a la recepción.
I have returned the keys to the front desk.
Juan ha devuelto todo lo que pidió prestado.
Juan has given back everything he borrowed.
Matching the Noun
Since this acts like an adjective here, it must match the gender of the thing you are talking about. Use 'devuelto' for masculine things and 'devuelta' for feminine things.
The 'Special' Finished Form
Most Spanish verbs end in -ado or -ido when you want to say you 'have' done something. However, 'devolver' is a rebel. You must use 'devuelto' instead of 'devolvido'.
The 'O' or 'A' Trap
Mistake: “La camisa devuelto.”
Correction: La camisa devuelta.
Don't use -ido
Mistake: “He devolvido el libro.”
Correction: He devuelto el libro.
vuelto
/bwel-toh//ˈbwelto/
Examples
Mi hermano todavía no ha vuelto a casa.
My brother hasn't returned home yet.
¿Has vuelto a leer ese libro?
Have you read that book again?
Cuando llegué, ellos ya habían vuelto del viaje.
When I arrived, they had already returned from the trip.
Irregular Past Participle
'Vuelto' is the special past form of 'volver'. You use it with the verb 'haber' (to have) to say what someone 'has done'. For example, 'he vuelto' means 'I have returned'.
Using '*Volvido*'
Mistake: “Mi padre ha *volvido* del trabajo.”
Correction: Mi padre ha vuelto del trabajo. 'Volver' is an irregular verb, so its past participle is 'vuelto', not the regular-looking '*volvido'.
regresado
/reh-greh-SAH-doh//re.ɣɾeˈsa.ðo/
Examples
Mi hermano ha regresado de su viaje a Japón.
My brother has returned from his trip to Japan.
¿Habías regresado ya cuando te llamé anoche?
Had you already come back when I called you last night?
Lamentablemente, la carta nunca había regresado a su remitente.
Unfortunately, the letter had never returned to its sender.
El paquete regresado fue puesto en la oficina de correos.
The returned package was placed in the post office.
Forming Perfect Tenses
Use this form with the helping verb 'haber' (to have) to describe actions completed in the past. Example: 'He regresado' (I have returned).
It Stays the Same
Unlike when used as an adjective, the past participle used with 'haber' never changes its ending ('-o') to match the person or thing doing the returning.
Agreement is Key
When 'regresado' acts as an adjective, its ending must match the noun it describes. If the noun is feminine (la delegación), use 'regresada'.
Using 'Estar' instead of 'Haber'
Mistake: “Yo estoy regresado.”
Correction: Yo he regresado. 'Estar' is used for location or temporary state; 'haber' is the correct helping verb for completed actions.
Devolver vs. Volver/Regresar
Related Translations
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