Returning to a place and returning an object are different actions.
The idea
Volver means to come back; devolver means to give something back.
| Verbo | Uso |
|---|---|
| volver | regresar a un lugar |
| devolver | entregar algo de nuevo |
Examples
- Marta vuelve a casa después del trabajo.Marta returns home after work.
- Yo devuelvo el libro a la biblioteca mañana.I am returning the book to the library tomorrow.
- Mis vecinos vuelven al pueblo en verano.My neighbors return to the village in summer.
- Luis devuelve las llaves a su amiga.Luis gives the keys back to his friend.
- ¿Cuándo vuelves de Madrid?When are you coming back from Madrid?
- La tienda devuelve el dinero a los clientes.The shop refunds the customers’ money.
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Watch out
Do not use volver with the object being returned; use devolver.
Try it yourself
Choose the verb that fits. Ana regresa a su oficina. Va a ___ a la oficina. (volver / devolver)
Show answer or example answer
volver
volver: Ana herself returns to the office.
Choose the verb that fits. Pablo entrega otra vez la bicicleta a su dueño. Va a ___ la bicicleta. (volver / devolver)
Show answer or example answer
devolver
devolver: Pablo gives the bicycle back to its owner.
Choose the verb that fits. Después del viaje, nosotros ___ a casa. (volvemos / devolvemos)
Show answer or example answer
volvemos
volvemos: we are the people coming home.
Choose the verb that fits. La camarera entrega al cliente su tarjeta olvidada. La ___ al cliente. (vuelve / devuelve)
Show answer or example answer
devuelve
devuelve: the waitress gives the card back to the customer.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the verb that fits. Ana regresa a su oficina. Va a ___ a la oficina. (volver / devolver)
Choose the verb that fits. Pablo entrega otra vez la bicicleta a su dueño. Va a ___ la bicicleta. (volver / devolver)
Choose the verb that fits. Después del viaje, nosotros ___ a casa. (volvemos / devolvemos)
Choose the verb that fits. La camarera entrega al cliente su tarjeta olvidada. La ___ al cliente. (vuelve / devuelve)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe coming home and giving a borrowed item back.