返す（かえす）Conjugation
JLPT N5 · Godan verb (Group 1) · Meaning: to return (something)
Full conjugation table
| Form | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form The base form — casual speech and the stem for many grammar patterns. | 返す | かえす |
| masu (polite present) Polite present/future affirmative. | 返します | かえします |
| masen (polite negative) Polite present negative. | 返しません | かえしません |
| mashita (polite past) Polite past affirmative. | 返しました | かえしました |
| masen deshita (polite past neg.) Polite past negative. | 返しませんでした | かえしませんでした |
| te-form The most versatile form — linking, requests, progressive and more. | 返して | かえして |
| ta (plain past) Plain past affirmative. | 返した | かえした |
| nai (plain negative) Plain present negative. | 返さない | かえさない |
| nakatta (plain past neg.) Plain past negative. | 返さなかった | かえさなかった |
| Potential Ability or possibility — 'can do'. | 返せる | かえせる |
| Passive Passive voice — 'to be done to'. | 返される | かえされる |
| Causative Causative — 'to make/let someone do'. | 返させる | かえさせる |
| Volitional Volitional — 'let's…' or intention. | 返そう | かえそう |
| Imperative Imperative — a strong command; used sparingly. | 返せ | かえせ |
| Prohibitive Prohibitive — 'don't do it!'. | 返すな | かえすな |
| Conditional (ba) Hypothetical 'if' — leans written. | 返せば | かえせば |
| Conditional (tara) The most versatile everyday 'if / when'. | 返したら | かえしたら |
Example sentences
- 借りた本を期限までに図書館に返す。 — I return the book I borrowed to the library by the due date.
- 借りていたお金を友達に返した。 — I paid back the money I'd borrowed from my friend.
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