Level 5

돌려보내다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '돌려보내다' means 'to send back' or 'to return something or someone to the original place or sender.' It is commonly used in contexts involving returning packages, sending people back (such as at borders), or returning unwanted items.

Common Contexts

  • Sending back wrongly delivered mail or packages.
  • Deporting or sending back unauthorized persons.
  • Returning goods that are unwanted or defective.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 돌려보내다 + object (e.g., 소포를 돌려보내다): to send back a package.
  • 사람을 돌려보내다: to send a person back, often used in official or formal contexts.
  • 돌려보내야 한다: expressing obligation to send back.

Register and Politeness

This verb is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the sentence ending. It is often found in news reports, official announcements, and everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '돌려보내다' with '돌려주다' (to return something to someone). '돌려보내다' emphasizes sending back to a place or sender, while '돌려주다' focuses on giving back to a person.

Example Sentences

그는 잘못된 주소로 배달된 소포를 다시 돌려보냈다.

Geuneun jalmosdoen jusoro baedaldoen sopo reul dasi dolryeobonaetda.

He redelivered the package that was sent to the wrong address.

불법 체류자는 국경에서 즉시 돌려보내졌다.

Bulpbeop cheryujaneun gukgyeongeseo jeuksi dolryeobonaejyeotda.

Illegal immigrants were immediately sent back at the border.

고객이 원하지 않는 상품은 판매자가 돌려보내야 한다.

Gogaegi wonhaji anneun sangpumeun panmaejaga dolryeobonaeya handa.

The seller must send back products that the customer does not want.