Learning a new language often involves diving into the nuances and subtleties of words that might seem similar on the surface but carry different connotations and uses. Portuguese is no exception. Today, we will explore two commonly confused verbs: voltar and retornar. Both words translate to “to return” or “to come back” in English, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding these differences can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension.
Voltar
The verb voltar is one of the most frequently used verbs in Portuguese when you want to express the idea of returning or coming back. It is a regular verb and follows the standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ar. Here are some key points to consider about voltar:
1. **Daily Conversations**: Voltar is commonly used in everyday conversations. For example, if you want to say, “I will return home,” you would say, “Eu vou voltar para casa.”
2. **Frequency**: Because of its simplicity and versatility, voltar is often the go-to verb for expressing the idea of returning in both formal and informal settings.
3. **Idiomatic Expressions**: Voltar is also part of several idiomatic expressions. For instance, “voltar atrás” means to go back on a decision or to retract a statement.
Examples:
– “Eu preciso voltar ao trabalho.” (I need to return to work.)
– “Quando você vai voltar de viagem?” (When will you come back from the trip?)
Retornar
On the other hand, retornar is another verb that also means “to return” or “to come back,” but it is less commonly used in everyday speech compared to voltar. Retornar has a more formal connotation and is often used in specific contexts. Here are some important aspects of retornar:
1. **Formal Contexts**: Retornar is typically used in formal situations or written language. For example, in business or official communications, you might see retornar used more frequently. “Eu preciso retornar a ligação” means “I need to return the call.”
2. **Technical Language**: You will often find retornar in technical or academic texts. For instance, in programming or formal reports, retornar might be the preferred verb.
3. **Less Frequent in Speech**: While retornar is perfectly correct, it is less common in everyday spoken Portuguese. Most native speakers would opt for voltar unless they are in a formal setting.
Examples:
– “A empresa pediu para eu retornar o formulário preenchido.” (The company asked me to return the completed form.)
– “Quando você vai retornar ao escritório?” (When will you return to the office?)
Comparing Voltar and Retornar
Now that we have a basic understanding of voltar and retornar, let’s compare them directly to highlight their differences and similarities.
1. **Context of Use**:
– Voltar: More common in everyday, informal conversations. Used frequently in spoken language.
– Retornar: More formal, often found in written or technical contexts.
2. **Connotation**:
– Voltar: Neutral, versatile, and widely accepted in various situations.
– Retornar: Formal, often perceived as more sophisticated or official.
3. **Frequency**:
– Voltar: High frequency in both spoken and written Portuguese.
– Retornar: Lower frequency, more specialized usage.
4. **Idiomatic Expressions**:
– Voltar: Part of many idiomatic expressions and common phrases.
– Retornar: Less likely to be found in idiomatic expressions.
Examples in Sentences:
– “Ela vai voltar para casa depois da escola.” (She will return home after school.)
– “O diretor pediu para eu retornar a ligação assim que possível.” (The director asked me to return the call as soon as possible.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
For language learners, it’s easy to mix up voltar and retornar given their similar meanings. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. **Using Retornar in Informal Contexts**: While it’s not incorrect, using retornar in casual conversations might sound overly formal. Stick to voltar for everyday speech.
– Incorrect: “Vou retornar para casa agora.” (I’m going to return home now.)
– Correct: “Vou voltar para casa agora.”
2. **Using Voltar in Formal Writing**: In formal writing or official documents, retornar might be more appropriate.
– Incorrect: “Por favor, volte o documento assinado.” (Please return the signed document.)
– Correct: “Por favor, retorne o documento assinado.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, here are a few practice exercises. Choose the correct verb (voltar or retornar) to complete each sentence:
1. Eu preciso _____ para o escritório amanhã.
2. Ele vai _____ a ligação mais tarde.
3. Nós vamos _____ para casa depois do filme.
4. A empresa pediu para _____ o relatório preenchido.
Answers:
1. voltar
2. retornar
3. voltar
4. retornar
In conclusion, while voltar and retornar both mean “to return” or “to come back,” they are used in different contexts and carry different connotations. Voltar is versatile and commonly used in everyday speech, whereas retornar is more formal and often found in written or technical contexts. By understanding these differences, you can use these verbs more accurately and naturally in your Portuguese conversations. Happy learning!
