Verb · A2 · Spanish glossary

Regresar: to return, to go back

regresar

Pronunciation: rreh-greh-SAHR (stress the capital letters)

Regresar means “to return, to go back” in English.

Quick answer

  • Meaning: to return, to go back
  • How to say it: rreh-greh-SAHR
  • Present: yo regreso, tú regresas
  • Level: Elementary (A2)

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What “regresar” means and how to use it

Regresar means “to return” or “to go back.” In many countries it is used just like volver.

How to conjugate “regresar”

Present tense and key past forms
WhoSpanishEnglish
yoregresoI
túregresasyou (informal)
él, ella, ustedregresahe, she, you (formal)
nosotrosregresamoswe
ellos, ustedesregresanthey, you all
Past (preterite)yo regresé, él regresóI / he or she
Past participleregresadoused with haber

Examples with audio

  • Regreso a casa a las seis.I return home at six.
  • Mi hermano regresa de viaje mañana.My brother returns from his trip tomorrow.
  • ¿Cuándo regresas?When are you coming back?

Usage tip

Regresar and volver mean nearly the same. Regresar is common in Latin America; volver is more usual in Spain. In some regions regresar can also mean “to give something back.”

Spanish around the world

  • Regresar and volver both mean “to return.” Regresar is very common in Mexico and Latin America, while Spain prefers volver.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “to return, to go back” in Spanish?

“to return, to go back” in Spanish is “regresar.” It is pronounced rreh-greh-SAHR, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.

How do you pronounce “regresar”?

Say rreh-greh-SAHR. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.

What is the past tense of “regresar”?

In the preterite, “yo” is “regresé” and “él” is “regresó.” The past participle is “regresado.”

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