JLPT N3 · 7 strokes
Kanji 返: "return, answer, fade"
The kanji 返 means "return, answer, fade, repay". It is written with 7 strokes and belongs to JLPT level N3, read ヘン in on'yomi and かえ.す, かえ.る in kun'yomi.
Stroke order
Strokes are written in the order of the numbers. The order is not decorative: it is what gives the character its balance, and it is also how handwriting search works in Japanese dictionaries.
Readings
On'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading)
ヘン
Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading)
かえ.すかえ.る
In a kun'yomi reading, the dot separates the kanji from its okurigana: かた.る is read かたる and written 語る. A hyphen marks a bound position, like -び in 日.
At a glance
| Meaning | return, answer, fade, repay |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 7 |
| JLPT level | N3 |
| Taught in Japan | grade 3 |
| Frequency rank | 685 of 2,501 |
Common words with 返
The most frequent words using this kanji, most common first, with furigana readings. Click one to open it in the reader.
- 返すto return (something); to restore; to put back · to turn over; to turn upside down; to overturn
- 返事reply; answer; response
- 繰り返すto repeat; to do over again
- 振り返るto turn one's head; to look over one's shoulder; to turn around; to look back · to think back (on); to reminisce; to look back (on); to reflect (on)
- 返るto return; to come back; to go back · to turn over
- 返答reply; answer
- 我に返るto come to one's senses · to calm down
- 言い返すto talk back; to answer back; to retort; to reply · to say over; to repeat (what one has said)
- お返しreturn gift; return favour · revenge
- 思い返すto re-think; to think back upon; to change one's mind
- 引き返すto turn back; to go back; to come back; to return
- 見返すto look (stare) back at (someone) · to look at again; to re-examine
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