Meaning and Usage
The verb 引き返す (ひきかえす) means "to turn back" or "to go back". It is commonly used when someone reverses their direction, often because of a problem, danger, or change of mind. It implies physically returning to a previous point.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 引き返す in situations like getting lost, realizing a mistake, or encountering danger. It is a practical verb used in everyday conversation and written language.
Collocations and Patterns
- 途中で引き返す: to turn back halfway, used when stopping and returning before reaching the destination.
- 急いで引き返す: to hurry back, emphasizing speed in returning.
- 危険を感じて引き返す: to turn back due to feeling danger, showing a reason for reversing.
Register and Nuance
引き返す is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is more about the action of reversing direction rather than emotional or metaphorical turning back.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 引き返す with 戻る (もどる), which also means "to return." However, 戻る can be used more broadly, including returning to a place or state, while 引き返す specifically emphasizes turning back on a route or path.