1.
a comeback; retort; response (especially a witty or quick reply)
a comeback; retort; response (especially a witty or quick reply)
返しがうまい。
Good at comebacks.
あの芸人は返しが早い。
That comedian is quick with comebacks.
何を言われても気の利いた返しができる人は尊敬する。
I respect people who can come up with a clever response no matter what is said to them.
2.
returning something; giving back; repayment
returning something; giving back; repayment
お返しをする。
Give something in return.
バレンタインのお返しを買う。
Buy a return gift for Valentine's Day.
借りた本の返しがまだだ。
I still haven't returned the book I borrowed.
3.
a base sauce made by combining soy sauce, mirin, and sugar (used in soba, ramen, etc.)
a base sauce made by combining soy sauce, mirin, and sugar (used in soba, ramen, etc.)
返しは醤油とみりんで作る。
The base sauce is made with soy sauce and mirin.
この蕎麦屋は返しを一週間寝かせている。
This soba shop ages its base sauce for a week.
だし汁に返しを合わせて蕎麦つゆを作る。
Combine the dashi stock with the base sauce to make soba dipping broth.
A versatile noun derived from the verb 返す (to return). Each sense has distinct usage patterns.
SENSE 1 — COMEBACK:
Very common in conversation about comedy (漫才, variety shows) and everyday banter. A key skill in Japanese comedy is the 返し — the ability to respond to a setup (ボケ) with a sharp retort (ツッコミ).
SENSE 2 — RETURNING:
Often used with the honorific お as お返し, especially for return gifts. ホワイトデー (White Day, March 14) is built around the concept of お返し — returning Valentine's chocolates.
SENSE 3 — COOKING:
A foundational element of Japanese noodle cuisine. 返し is aged for days to mellow the flavors before being combined with dashi.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 返しがうまい — good at retorts
- お返しに — in return
- 本返し — fully heated base sauce (cooking)
- 生返し — unheated base sauce (cooking)