1.
return; restitution; giving back
The act of returning something to its rightful owner or original holder, especially in official, legal, or diplomatic contexts.
敷金の返還を求める。
To request the return of a security deposit.
沖縄の本土復帰は領土の返還だった。
Okinawa's reversion was a return of territory.
美術館は戦時中に略奪された作品を元の所有者に返還することを決めた。
The museum decided to return works looted during wartime to their original owners.
Compound of 返 (return) + 還 (to go back, to restore). Used as a suru-verb: 返還する (to return, to give back).
Not to be confused with the homophone 変換 (conversion, transformation).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 領土返還 (return of territory)
- 敷金の返還 (return of a security deposit)
- 返還を求める (to demand the return of something)
- 返還請求 (claim for restitution)
USAGE NOTE:
A formal word used in legal, diplomatic, and official contexts. For returning everyday items, 返す is more natural. 返還 implies returning something of significant value or official importance.