> A comprehensive guide on the Spanish verbs "volver" and "devolver," covering their meanings, usage, examples, and how to choose the right verb for "to return."
Understanding the difference between volver and devolver is key to mastering how to say "to return" in Spanish. Both verbs involve the concept of returning, but they are used in different contexts and have distinct grammatical structures. This guide explains their meanings, when to use each one, and provides examples to help you feel confident using both verbs correctly.
Similarities and Differences
Volver and devolver both come from the Latin root volvere (to turn), and both involve the idea of something or someone going back. However, their usage and meaning are different:
- Volver means "to return" or "to go back" in a general sense, usually referring to people or going back to a place or situation.
- Devolver means "to return something" or "to give back" an object or item to someone.
Key differences:
| Aspect | Volver | Devolver |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To return/go back | To return/give back something |
| Subject | Can be a person or thing | Usually the person returning an object |
| Object | No direct object or refers to places/situations | Requires a direct object (the thing being returned) |
| Example | Volver a casa (return home) | Devolver el libro (return the book) |
Volver: to return/go back
Volver is used when someone returns to a place, situation, or state. It can also mean "to do something again" when followed by a + [infinitive].
Usage
- Volver + a + [infinitive]: to do something again.
- Volver + a + lugar: to return to a place.
- Returning to a previous state or situation.
Examples
- (Yo) vuelvo a casa temprano. — I return home early.
- Ella volvió a estudiar después de vacaciones. — She went back to studying after vacation.
- ¿Cuándo vuelven tus padres? — When do your parents return?
- Siempre vuelvo al mismo restaurante. — I always return to the same restaurant.
Devolver: to return/give back (something)
Devolver is used when you return something to someone else. It always takes a direct object (the thing being returned) and often includes an indirect object (to whom it is returned).
Usage
- Devolver + [direct object]: to return something.
- Devolver + [direct object] + a + [person]: to return something to someone.
Examples
- (Yo) devuelvo el libro a la biblioteca. — I return the book to the library.
- ¿Me puedes devolver mi chaqueta? — Can you give me back my jacket?
- Ella devolvió el dinero que le presté. — She returned the money I lent her.
- Siempre devuelvo los préstamos a tiempo. — I always return loans on time.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Volver el libro — Incorrect (use devolver)
- ✅ Devolver el libro — Correct
- ❌ ¿Cuándo devuelves a casa? — Incorrect (use volver)
- ✅ ¿Cuándo vuelves a casa? — Correct
- ❌ Volver mi teléfono — Incorrect (use devolver)
- ✅ Devolver mi teléfono — Correct
- ❌ Devolver a estudiar — Incorrect (use volver)
- ✅ Volver a estudiar — Correct
Usage Tips
- Use volver when returning to a place, situation, or doing something again.
- Use devolver when giving something back to someone or returning an object.
- Look for direct objects (usually things) to signal devolver.
- Look for references to places, people, or actions to signal volver.
Summary
Volver = to return/go back (usually to a place, situation, or action)
Devolver = to return/give back something (always a direct object)
Understanding this distinction will help you choose the right verb and communicate more accurately in Spanish.
Last updated: Sat May 31, 2025
