Usage
Volver and devolver both translate to "to return" in English, but they are used in different contexts in Spanish.
- Volver is used when someone returns to a place.
- Devolver is used when something is returned to its owner or original place.
What does 'volver' mean in Spanish?
'Volver' means 'to return to a place' in Spanish.
When would you use 'devolver'?
'Devolver' is used when returning something to its owner.
Examples
Examples help clarify how each verb is used in sentences.
| Verb | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Volver | Yo vuelvo a casa. | I return home. |
| Devolver | Ella devuelve el libro. | She returns the book. |
How would you say 'I return home' in Spanish?
In Spanish, 'I return home' is said as 'Yo vuelvo a casa'.
What is the Spanish phrase for 'She returns the book'?
The Spanish phrase for 'She returns the book' is 'Ella devuelve el libro'.
Conjugations
Both verbs are irregular and follow different patterns, which is important for accurate usage.
| Subject | Volver | Devolver |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Vuelvo | Devuelvo |
| Tú | Vuelves | Devuelves |
| Él/Ella | Vuelve | Devuelve |
| Nosotros | Volvemos | Devolvemos |
| Vosotros | Volvéis | Devolvéis |
| Ellos | Vuelven | Devuelven |
What are the nosotros forms of volver and devolver?
The nosotros forms are 'Volvemos' for volver and 'Devolvemos' for devolver.
Is 'devolver' regular or irregular in its conjugation?
'Devolver' is irregular in its conjugation.
Nuances
While both verbs mean "to return," their nuances are important for precise communication.
- Volver indicates a return to a previous state or place.
- Devolver implies the act of giving back something that was borrowed or taken.
What does 'volver' imply?
'Volver' implies returning to a place or a previous state.
In what context would you use 'devolver'?
'Devolver' is used when returning borrowed items or giving back something taken.