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.す, かえ.る, -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.すかえ.る-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reprendre ses esprits, revenir à soi, se calmer
- 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cadeau en retour, contre-don · revanche
- 思い返すrepenser à, se remémorer, revenir sur sa décision
- 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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