Inklingo

How to Say "returning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

regresando

reh-greh-SAHN-dohre.ɣɾe.ˈsan.do

verbA1general
Use 'regresando' when the focus is on returning to a previous state, condition, or location, especially when the journey back has already begun or is the primary subject.
A small bird flying back to its cozy nest in a green tree.

Examples

Estoy regresando a mi peso ideal después de las vacaciones.

I am returning to my ideal weight after the holidays.

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' when the emphasis is specifically on the physical act of going back to a place, often implying a journey or movement away from a current 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

Ya estamos volviendo a casa, llegaremos pronto.

We are already returning home, we will arrive soon.

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.

Choosing Between 'Regresando' and 'Volviendo'

Learners often confuse 'regresando' and 'volviendo' because both mean 'returning.' While 'volviendo' is more about the physical act of going back to a place, 'regresando' can also imply returning to a previous state or condition, not just a location.

Related Translations

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