return

The act or an instance of coming or going back to a previous place, position, or condition. It can also refer to a recurrence or a fresh presentation, especially in the common English phrase 'many happy returns of the day', which is a traditional greeting used to wish someone a happy birthday and many more to come. This specific idiomatic usage, where 'return' signifies a recurring anniversary or occasion, does not have a direct conceptual or linguistic equivalent in Japanese. Japanese expresses similar sentiments using different phrasings or concepts of celebration without directly translating 'return' in this particular context.

• We waited for his return from the war. — We waited for his coming back from the war.
• Wishing you many happy returns of the day! — A greeting used to wish someone a happy birthday and many more to come.
• The return of the prodigal son was a joyous occasion. — The coming back of the son who had left home was a joyous occasion.

To go or come back to a previous place, situation, or condition; or to give, send, or put something back.

• She decided to return to her hometown after college. — She decided to go back to her hometown after college.
• Please return the book to the library when you're finished. — Please give the book back to the library when you're finished.
• The store allows customers to return items within 30 days for a full refund. — The store allows customers to give items back within 30 days for a full refund.

Given, sent, or done in return; serving as a reciprocal action or exchange.

• He caught the return flight from London. — He caught the flight that was going back from London.
• We exchanged return greetings. — We exchanged greetings that were given back to each other.
• The tennis player hit a powerful return shot. — The tennis player hit a powerful shot in response to their opponent's shot.