Word
引き返す
Meaning in Englishto turn back, to go back, reverse
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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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
N1
振り返る
furikaeru
to turn head, to turn around, to look back
N1
返還
henkan
return, restoration
N1
返済
hensai
repayment
N1
返答
hentou
reply
N1
引き上げる
hikiageru
to withdraw, to leave, to pull out
N1
引き起こす
hikiokosu
to cause
N1
引下げる
hikisageru
to pull down, to lower, to reduce, to withdraw
N1
引きずる
hikizuru
to drag along, to pull, to prolong
N1
引取る
hikitoru
to take back; to adopt; to leave
Kanji