retourner

Retourner is a French verb with several related meanings. It commonly denotes going back to a place, but it can also mean turning over or flipping an object, or reversing a situation. The verb can be used both transitively (with a direct object) and intransitively, especially when referring to movement.

Etymology and variants: retourner derives from tourner, with the prefix re- indicating repetition or return. It belongs to the first conjugation of French verbs and forms regular -er endings in most tenses. The reflexive form se retourner means to turn around or to look behind oneself.

Grammatical notes: retour ner is a regular -er verb. Present tense forms are: je retourne, tu retournes, il/elle retourne, nous retournons, vous retournez, ils/elles retournent. In the passé composé, usage depends on sense: with a direct object (transitive) it takes avoir, e.g., j’ai retourné la crêpe; with movement (intransitive) it takes être, e.g., je suis retourné(e) à la maison. The reflexive form se retourner uses être: elle s’est retournée. The imperative forms are retourne, retournons, retournez.

Common uses and examples: To return to a place: Je suis retourné à Paris hier. To flip or turn over an object: Il a retourné la carte pour lire l’autre côté; il faut retourner les crêpes dans la poêle. To reverse or change something: On peut retourner la situation avec une nouvelle stratégie; il a retourné sa veste, changeant d’allégeance. In everyday speech, se retourner can also describe turning around physically, e.g., elle s’est retournée pour le voir.