Word
引き返す
Meaning in Englishto turn back, to go back, reverse
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
Related sentences
Related sentences
There are no published items in this section yet.
Word context
What it means
引き返す means to turn back or reverse course; it covers physically returning along a route as well as metaphorically reconsidering or withdrawing from a plan or statement in everyday usage.
Main meanings
- Physical turning back during travel or movement, returning to the origin.
- Metaphorical reversal of plans, decisions, or commitments, i.e., backing out or reconsidering.
- In transportation contexts, a vehicle or service returning to its point of origin or reversing direction.
How to use it
Used for both literal and figurative turning back. In casual and formal speech, it describes changing direction on a journey as well as reconsidering a plan or statement; common with particles like 道を, 途中で, or in contexts involving travel, logistics, or decisions.
Variants and close terms
- 逆戻りする (gyaku-modori suru) — revert, go back
- 戻る (modoru) — to return; to go back
- 進む (susumu) — go forward (antonym)
Composition
- 引く: to pull, draw
- 返す: to return, give back
- 引き返す: combined meaning is to pull back and return, i.e., to turn back or reverse course
Word class
verb (godan)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N2
引っ繰り返す
hikkurikaesu
to turn over, to overturn, to knock over
N2
引っ繰り返る
hikkurikaeru
to be overturned, to be upset, to topple over, to be reversed
N1
取引
torihiki
transactions, dealings, business
N1
値引き
nebiki
price reduction, discount
N1
裏返し
uragaeshi
inside out, reverse
N1
折り返す
orikaesu
to turn up, to fold back
N1
宙返り
chuugaeri
somersault, looping-the-loop
N1
手引
tebiki
guidance, guide, introduction
N1
照り返す
terikaesu
to reflect, to throw back light
Kanji