Difference Between Volver And Devolver
If you’re learning Spanish, you may have come across two similar-looking words “volver” and “devolver” but struggle to understand their differences. Indeed, both verbs have an “olver” ending and share common meanings, but they each have distinct definitions and usage. In this article, we’ll explore the significant differences between “volver” and “devolver” and give you some examples of how to use these verbs correctly.
What Does Volver Mean?
The verb “volver” is a commonly used Spanish word that means “to return” or “to come back”. It refers to going back to a place or situation that the speaker or the subject has previously experienced. For example,
– Mi hermana volverá a España en septiembre. (My sister will return to Spain in September.)
– ¿Vas a volver a ese restaurante? (Are you going to go back to that restaurant?)
Additionally, “volver” can also mean “to do again” or “to repeat” when combined with another verb. For example,
– Tengo que volver a estudiar para el examen. (I have to study again for the exam.)
– Vuelve a leer el texto y presta atención. (Read the text again and pay attention.)
In summary, “volver” refers to coming back to a person, place, activity, or situation that you have experienced before.
What Does Devolver Mean?
On the other hand, the verb “devolver” means “to return” in the sense of giving something back to its original owner. It can also mean “to refund” or “to return something that was borrowed.” For example,
– Tienes que devolver la llave antes de las 10 de la noche. (You need to return the key before 10 pm.)
– El vendedor me devolvió el dinero porque el producto estaba defectuoso. (The seller refunded me the money because the product was defective.)
“Devolver” is mostly used for material or physical objects, but it can also refer to returning the favor or returning a feeling. For example,
– Le dije que la ayudaría, y ahora ella me quiere devolver el favor. (I told her I would help her, and now she wants to return the favor.)
– Me siento feliz, y quiero devolver esa felicidad a los demás. (I feel happy, and I want to return that happiness to others.)
In summary, “devolver” refers to returning an object or refunding money, lending something and getting it back, or returning a favor.
How To Use Volver and Devolver correctly
Spanish learners can easily confuse “volver” and “devolver” because both verbs have a similar meaning of “returning.” However, the best way to use these verbs correctly is to understand their context and usage. Here are some tips to help you differentiate when to use “volver” and “devolver:”
– Use “volver” when you mean “to come back” or “to return to a place or situation that you have already experienced,” for example, “Voy a volver a Barcelona después del verano.” (I’m going back to Barcelona after the summer.)
– Use “devolver” when you mean “to return an object” or “to give something back to its original owner,” for example, “Debes devolver el libro a la biblioteca.” (You must return the book to the library.)
– Use “volver” when you talk about repeating or doing something again, for example, “Quiero volver a ver esa película porque me gustó mucho.” (I want to see that movie again because I really liked it.)
– Use “devolver” when you want to refund or return someone’s money, for example, “La tienda me devolvió el dinero después de que el abrigo se rompió.” (The store refunded my money after the coat broke.)
In conclusion, although “volver” and “devolver” share similar meanings, it’s important to use them correctly to avoid confusion. Remember that “volver” refers to coming back, repeating, and doing something again, while “devolver” means returning an object or refunding money. By following these simple tips, you can use these verbs accurately and communicate more effectively in Spanish.
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Difference Between Volver And Devolver
