retourner

Senses

1. 1.

   to return; to go back

   to come back to a place one has left

2. 2.

   to turn over; to flip

   to reverse the position or direction of something

3. 3.

   to return (something); to give back

   to send back or restore something to its owner

4. 4.

   to turn around; to turn upside down

   to reverse or overturn completely

Examples

• "Je dois retourner au bureau demain."

  I have to go back to the office tomorrow.

• "Il a retourné la crêpe dans la poêle avec dextérité."

  He flipped the crepe in the pan skillfully.

• "Je vais retourner ce livre à la bibliothèque."

  I'm going to return this book to the library.

Usage

Very common verb. Can be transitive (with a direct object) or intransitive. In casual speech, often used reflexively as *se retourner* (to turn around, to turn oneself around). Note: when intransitive, uses *être* as auxiliary in compound tenses; when transitive, uses *avoir*.