To return something to its place or owner; to give back or restore an item (e.g., return a book).
図書館の本を期限までに返す。
Return the library book by the due date.
借りた傘を彼に返した。
I returned the umbrella I borrowed to him.
間違って受け取った荷物を送り主に返す必要がある。
We need to return the mistakenly received package to the sender.
To turn something over; to flip or overturn an object (change its orientation or make it face the other way).
フライパンの中のハンバーグを返して焼き色をつける。
Flip the hamburger in the pan to brown the other side.
ページを一枚返してから続きを読む。
Turn over a page and then continue reading.
To pay back (a debt), to reciprocate a favor, or to retaliate/avenge (depending on context).
借金を返すためにアルバイトを始めた。
I started a part-time job to pay back the debt.
彼女にはいつか恩を返したいと思っている。
I want to repay her favor someday.
あの仕打ちにはやり返すつもりだ。
I intend to retaliate for that treatment.
To respond or retort; to reply back (often with a counter-remark).
注意された彼はすぐに言い返した。
When he was reprimanded, he immediately talked back.
彼女の冗談にみんなが笑ったが、彼は真面目に言い返した。
Everyone laughed at her joke, but he responded seriously.
As an auxiliary (attached to a verb stem): to do something back toward someone or to the original source (e.g., throw back, call back).
子供が投げたボールを彼女はきちんと投げ返した。
She neatly threw back the ball the child had thrown.
電話をかけ直されたので、私もすぐにかけ返した。
They called me back, so I immediately called them back as well.
As an auxiliary (attached to a verb stem): to do something again or repeatedly (e.g., re-read = read again).
試験の前に教科書をもう一度読み返した。
Before the exam, I re-read the textbook once more.
聞き取れなかったので、相手にもう一度言ってくださいと聞き返した。
I couldn't catch it, so I asked the person to say it again.