Volver vs Devolver

Meaning

• volver — to return, come back, or go back
• devolver — to return or give an object back

How to use it

Use volver when a person or thing goes back to a place. Use devolver when someone gives something back to its owner or original place.

The pattern volver a + infinitive means to do something again.

Examples

Vuelvo a casa a las ocho.

I go back home at eight.

¿Cuándo vuelves de vacaciones?

When are you coming back from holiday?

Ana volvió a llamar esta mañana.

Ana called again this morning.

Tengo que devolver el libro a la biblioteca.

I have to return the book to the library.

¿Me devuelves las llaves mañana?

Will you give me the keys back tomorrow?

Quick note

Both verbs have the same vowel change in the present tense: vuelvo and devuelvo.