Word
引き返す
Meaning in Englishto turn back, to go back, reverse
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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)
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