Voltar vs. Devolver: Return Somewhere or Give Something Back?
English uses ‘return’ for both people and things. Portuguese commonly distinguishes voltar from devolver.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Voltar describes returning to a place or resuming an earlier activity. Add a destination with a preposition when the place matters: voltar ao trabalho (go back to work).
Use voltar when a person or thing goes back
Voltar can also mean to do something again when followed by a: voltar a estudar (start studying again). This pattern is different from returning an object to someone.
Voltei para casa depois do almoço.
I went back home after lunch.
Ela voltou ao Brasil no mês passado.
She returned to Brazil last month.
Vou voltar a fazer exercícios amanhã.
I’m going to start exercising again tomorrow.
Use devolver when someone gives an item back
Devolver focuses on giving something back to its owner or returning an item. It takes the object as its direct complement: devolver o livro (return the book).
To name the person receiving it, use para or a phrase with the person’s name. For a store purchase, ask about the store’s process instead of assuming its return policy.
Preciso devolver este livro para a biblioteca.
I need to return this book to the library.
Você pode me devolver o carregador amanhã?
Can you give my charger back to me tomorrow?
Queria saber como faço para devolver este produto.
I’d like to know how I can return this product.
Put it into practice
Voltar means to go back or resume; devolver means to give an object back or return it.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I went back home after lunch”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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