戻る

• Reading: もどる
• Romaji: modoru
• Kanji breakdown: 戻 (rei/modo) — return, go back
• Pronunciation: /mo.do.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To return; to go back; to come back. Describes returning to a previous location or state.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. The transitive pair is 戻す (modosu, to return something / to put back). Different from 帰る (kaeru), which specifically means to return home. 戻る is more general and can mean returning to any place or reverting to a previous state.

Examples

1. トイレに行ってすぐ戻ります。 I'm going to the restroom and will be right back.
2. 忘れ物をしたので家に戻った。 I forgot something, so I went back home.
3. 体調が元に戻るまで休んでください。 Please rest until your health returns to normal.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 戻 combines 戸 (door) with 大 (big). Some interpret it as a large figure turning back at a door — the idea of going back the way you came.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal