return

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is かん, and no kun reading is listed. It has 16 strokes and relates to a person or group returning, or property being returned to its owner.
• Basic usage: 帰還 is read きかん, and 返還 is read へんかん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 帰還 / 返還
  • 帰還 means return or homecoming and is read きかん. It refers to an expedition or spacecraft returning from a journey.
  • 探検隊が長い旅から無事に帰還した。 means “The expedition team returned safely from its long journey.”
  • 返還 means return or restitution and is read へんかん. It refers to returning borrowed land or cultural property to its owner.
  • 文化財の返還を求める手紙が届いた。 means “A letter arrived demanding the return of the cultural property.”