返還

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 返還 (へんかん) is an action noun for returning property to its owner or rightful holder.
• Basic usage: 土地を所有者へ返還した marks the returned property and its recipient, while 文化財の返還を求める names the requested return of cultural property.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Returned asset and recipient
  • In 土地を所有者へ返還する, 土地を is the property returned and 所有者へ is its destination. In 文化財の返還, the cultural property is likewise not the party making the demand.