Some French verbs are more complicated than others for Anglophones, especially those that don’t have an exact counterpart in English. Such is the case with the verbs retourner, revenir, and rentrer.
Many English speakers assume these three verbs translate as “to return,” “to come back,” and “to re-enter” respectively, and can be used interchangeably. But in French, that’s not the case.
While each of these verbs generally indicates someone going back to a place, they must each be used in a specific – and different – context.
If you’re learning French, mastering the difference between retourner, revenir, and rentrer will help you sound more natural and avoid common mistakes.
RETOURNER
Meaning #1: To go back (to a place where the speaker is not)
Meaning #2: To go back (to a place where the speaker is not) for a short time.
Meaning #3: To return something (to give back)
As the definitions above indicate, “retourner” is used to refer to a return to a place where the subject of the sentence was previously and where the speaker is not.
Example #1: Ma mere adorait Rome. Elle voudrait y retourner l’année prochaine.
My mother adored Rome. She would like to return there next year.
Example #2: Paul était sur le point de nous retrouver, mais il avait oublié son porte-monnaie à la boulangerie. Il y est donc retourné le chercher pour nous rejoindre après.
Paul was about to meet us but he forgot his wallet at the bakery. So he’s going to go back there to look for it and meet us afterwards.
Example #3: Tout article non retourné sera facturé
Any missing items will be charged
REVENIR
Meaning: To come back (to the place where the speaker is).
Revenir is used to refer to a return to a place where the subject of the sentence was previously and where the speaker is currently.
Example #1: Où est Marie? Elle est partie. Mais elle a dit qu’elle reviendrait plus tard
Where is Marie? She left. But she says she’ll come back (here) later.
Example #2: “Zut ! Je dois retourner au bureau car j’y ai laissé mes clés! Je reviens tout de suite!”
Darn it! I have to return to my office because I left my keys there. I’ll come right back (here)!
Example #3: Il fait froid dehors, rentrons vite et je reviens avec des couvertures.
It’s cold outside, let’s go back in and I’ll come back with some blankets
RENTRER
Meaning: “to return home” — no matter whether “home” is your country or your abode.
Example #1: Cette fête est géniale mais je suis fatiguée. Je rentre à la maison.
This party is great but I’m tired. I’m going (returning) home.
Example #2: François habite en Espagne depuis 7 ans mais il rentrera en France en septembre.
François lived in Spain for seven years but in September he’s going to return to France.
Example #3: Il est tard, je dois rentrer tôt demain pour le travail.
It’s late, I need to go home early tomorrow for work.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Verb | When to Use | Example |
| Retourner | Go back to a place where the speaker is not | Je dois retourner à Paris pour le travail. |
| Revenir | Come back to where the speaker currently is | Reviens vite, le dîner est prêt. |
| Rentrer | Return home (house, country, personal “home”) | Elle rentre à la maison après l’école. |
By practicing with real-life examples and paying attention to the context, you’ll quickly start using these verbs more naturally.
Still unsure about which verb to use? Don’t worry, confusing verb pairs are one of the most common challenges for French learners.
Do you need additional help distinguishing between retourner, revenir and retourner? Drop it in the comments below, we’d love to help!
PS: FrenchasYouLikeit.com in a top French school offering the best French Group Classes in France. You may reach out to our team in case you wish to learn serious French while in Paris or anywhere in France!
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