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返

返 — return, answer, fade

Learn the correct stroke order for 返 (return), a 7-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 37 strokes

Stroke Order

1234567
Stroke 0 / 7
On'yomi (音読み)ヘンhen
Kun'yomi (訓読み)かえ.すkaesu、-かえ.すkaesu、かえ.るkaeru、-かえ.るkaeru
Strokes7
Radical辵
Frequency#685
Meaningsreturn, answer, fade, repay

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 7 — start from the green dot

Common Words

返すかえすto return (something); to restore; to put backverb
返るかえるto return; to come back; to go backverb
返還へんかんreturn; restorationnoun
返却へんきゃくreturn (of something borrowed or entrusted); returning; giving backnoun
返金へんきんrefund; repayment; reimbursementnoun
返済へんさいrepayment; reimbursement; refundnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 返 (return) is taught in grade 3 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 7 strokes with radical 辵.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 返 is #685, making it a frequently used kanji.

Example Words in Context

返すかえす — to return (something); to restore; to put back
返るかえる — to return; to come back; to go back
返還へんかん — return; restoration

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (辵)

辺environs込crowded迅swift近near迎welcome述mention迫urge迭transfer

Same reading

変unusual

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 返 have?

The kanji 返 (return) has 7 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 返?

返 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 返 mean?

返 means: return, answer, fade, repay. On'yomi readings: ヘン. Kun'yomi readings: かえ.す, -かえ.す, かえ.る, -かえ.る.

What JLPT level is 返?

返 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.