Godan verb, transitive verb

  1. to return (something), to restore, to put back. Esp. 返す.
  2. to turn over, to turn upside down, to overturn.
  3. to pay back, to retaliate, to reciprocate. Esp. 返す.
  4. to respond (with), to retort, to reply, to say back.

auxiliary verb, Godan verb

After the -masu stem of a verb.
  1. to do ... back (e.g. speak back, throw back).
  2. to do again, to do repeatedly.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
返す かえす
 
反す かえす

Contained Kanji Breakdown

return, answer, fade
かえ.す ヘン (3rd, N3)
anti-
ハン タン そり (3rd, N3)
wild goose, trailing cliff radical (no. 27)
カン かりがね (Kentei 1)
or again, furthermore, on the other hand
また ユウ やす (8th, N1)