返: the kanji for return
返 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means return. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
返 is written in 7 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
返 has 3 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 3 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ヘン (hen)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 返事へんじ · henji | reply |
| 返信へんしん · henshin | reply (email) |
かえす (kaesu)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 返すかえす · kaesu | to return (something) |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 彼からの返事を待っています。Kare kara no henji o matte imasu.I'm waiting for a reply from him.
- メールに返信しました。Mēru ni henshin shimashita.I replied to the email.
- 借りた本を図書館に返した。Karita hon o toshokan ni kaeshita.I returned the borrowed book to the library.
- すぐに返事をもらえました。Sugu ni henji o moraemashita.I got a reply right away.
- 友人にお金を返しました。Yūjin ni okane o kaeshimashita.I paid back the money to my friend.
Questions about 返
How many strokes does 返 have?
返 is written in 7 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 返?
The on readings are hen (ヘン). The kun readings are kaesu (かえす), kaeru (かえる).
What JLPT level is 返?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Movement and actions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 返
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.