Volver vs. devolver
The Spanish words 'volver' and 'devolver' may seem similar but are used in different contexts, each conveying distinct meanings.
Volver
Volver means 'to return' or 'to come back'. It is generally used when a person or an entity is returning to a place, situation, or state.
Ella va a volver a casa después de las vacaciones.
(She is going to return home after the holidays.)
Después de muchos años, volvió a su ciudad natal.
(After many years, he returned to his hometown.)
Voy a volver a leer ese libro.
(I am going to read that book again.)
El restaurante favorito de Juan ha vuelto a abrir.
(Juan’s favorite restaurant has reopened.)
Devolver
'Devolver' means 'to return' something to its original place or owner. It often implies giving something back that was borrowed or taken.
Necesito devolver el libro a la biblioteca.
(I need to return the book to the library.)
Ella le devolvió el dinero que le había prestado.
(She returned the money he had lent her.)
Por favor, devuélveme mis llaves.
(Please give me back my keys.)
Después de ver la película, él devolvió el DVD a la tienda.
(After watching the movie, he returned the DVD to the store.)
Summary
'Volver' is used when someone or something returns to a previous location or state. 'Devolver' is specifically for returning objects to their rightful place or owner.