revenir

The French verb "revenir" means "to come back", "to return", or "to come again". It expresses the idea of going back to a previous place or state.

Meaning:

• To physically return to a place:
  Il revient à la maison. = "He is coming back home."
• To metaphorically return to a subject or point:
  Revenons à notre discussion. = "Let's get back to our discussion."
• To happen again:
  Le problème revient souvent. = "The problem happens again often."

Synonyms and differences:

• Retourner: Also means "to return," often emphasizes the action of going back specifically. While "revenir" implies coming back to the place where the speaker is or to a specific original place, "retourner" can describe going back to any place, not necessarily where the speaker is.
  • Je reviens chez moi. (I'm coming back to my home.)
  • Je retourne à Paris. (I'm going back to Paris.)
• Rentrer: Means "to return home" or "to go back inside." It is used when referring to returning to one's own home or to entering back into a building.
  • Je rentre chez moi à 18h. (I go back home at 6 pm.)
• Ramener: Means "to bring back," focusing on returning something or someone along with you.
  • Je te ramène chez toi. (I'll bring you back home.)

Summary:

• Use "revenir" for coming back to a place (often where the speaker is).
• Use "retourner" for going back to any place.
• Use "rentrer" specifically for returning home or indoors.
• Use "ramener" to bring someone or something back.

This verb is commonly used and essential in expressing movement or return in French.