How to Say "we returned" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “we returned” is “regresamos” — use 'regresamos' when referring to the general act of returning or going back to a place, often implying a routine or a simple statement of fact about the return.
Use 'regresamos' when referring to the general act of returning or going back to a place, often implying a routine or a simple statement of fact about the return.
Learn more →
Use 'volvimos' when emphasizing the completion of the action of returning to a place, often highlighting that the journey back is over.
Learn more →reh-greh-SAH-mosreɣɾeˈsamos
Examples
Si terminamos temprano, regresamos a casa antes de las seis.
If we finish early, we return home before six.
Ayer regresamos del viaje muy cansados.
Yesterday we returned from the trip very tired.
¡Regresamos inmediatamente! No hay tiempo que perder.
Let's return immediately! There is no time to lose.
The 'We' Form
This word means 'we' are doing the action. The '-amos' ending is the standard signal for the 'nosotros' (we) form in all '-ar' verbs in the present and preterite tenses.
Movement Verbs
Like many movement verbs, regresar is often used with the preposition 'a' (to) to specify the destination: 'Regresamos a la oficina' (We return to the office).
Confusing Tenses
Mistake: “Using 'regresamos' when you mean 'we will return' (future).”
Correction: While Spanish sometimes uses the present tense for the near future, if you mean a clear future action, use the actual future form: 'Regresaremos mañana' (We will return tomorrow).
bol-VEE-mosbolˈbimos
Examples
Volvimos a casa muy tarde después de la fiesta.
We returned home very late after the party.
Cuando volvimos de vacaciones, el jardín estaba seco.
When we came back from vacation, the garden was dry.
Les dijimos que volvimos porque extrañábamos la comida.
We told them we returned because we missed the food.
Preterite Tense
This form ('volvimos') tells you that the action of returning happened and finished completely at a specific time in the past (e.g., yesterday, last week).
The 'We' Form
The '-imos' ending is always used when the subject is 'nosotros' (we), regardless of whether the verb is -ar, -er, or -ir in the preterite tense.
Confusing Tenses
Mistake: “Usando 'volvíamos' cuando la acción fue puntual.”
Correction: Use 'volvimos' (simple past) for single, completed past actions. 'Volvíamos' (imperfect) is for actions that were repeated or ongoing in the past.
Regresamos vs. Volvimos
The most common mistake is treating 'regresamos' and 'volvimos' as perfectly interchangeable. While often similar, 'volvimos' can sometimes carry a slightly stronger sense of completing the journey back, whereas 'regresamos' is more about the general action of returning.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.