(1) Japanese verb corresponding to certain uses of the
English word "return", i.e. going to a place again.
Kaeru is a Godan verb, ending in -ru. It forms into different Bases as follows:
- kaera-
- kaeri-
- kaeru
- kaere-
- kaeroo
- kaette
- kaetta
Watashi wa uchi ni kaerimasu yo.
I'm
going (back) home!
Sabishii ka. Ashita Amerika ni kaeru'n desu ka.
You're sad? Is it because you're returning to America tomorrow?
Written kae(ru), with the kanji for "return".
(2) Also the verb corresponding to "change" or "substitute" in English. This word also covers the concepts of "transfer", "exchange", and sometimes even "at the expense of" or "alternative".
This kaeru is Ichidan, forming Bases as follows:
- kae-
- kae-
- kaeru
- kaere-
- kaeyoo
- kaete
- kaeta
Watashi wa ima yoofuku o kaemasu.
I'm going to change my clothes now.
Sumimasen - kyoo wa kaigi ga arimasen. Kinoo shachoo wa yakusoku o kaemashita.
Sorry, there's no meeting today. The President changed the date yesterday.
Written ka(eru), with the kanji for "exchange; substitute" or another one meaning "substitute; transform; convert".