Volver vs Regresar – Return vs Come Back | Comparisons | Words | Spanish | Loco

Both volver and regresar mean "to return," but they have subtle differences in use, register, and nuance. This guide compares them with examples to help you choose the best verb for each context.

Volver

Volver is the more common and versatile verb for returning to a place or situation, and it often appears in everyday speech and writing. It can be followed by an infinitive, a noun, or a plus a place.

Examples

Usage Notes

Use volver for general returns, habitual actions, and when emphasizing the act of coming back to a place or state. It fits well in narratives and conversations.

Which situations are typically appropriate for using 'volver' instead of 'regresar'?

formal written notices

emphasizing return to a place or state

everyday conversational contexts

habits or repeated returns

returning an item to a store

Regresar

Common Contexts

Regional and Register Differences

Collocations and Common Phrases

Verbs with 'volver'

Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025