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devolución means refund — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 6, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

devolución

noun • /[de-bo-lu-SYON]/

refund

Example:

Quiero una devolución, por favor.

I’d like a refund, please.

🧠 What does devolución mean?

Devolución refers to the act of giving something back. In a commercial context, it means a 'return' of a purchased item to a store. It can also refer to a 'refund', which is the money returned to a customer. The word comes from the verb 'devolver', meaning 'to return' or 'to give back'.

📚 Extra examples

  • La política de devolución de la tienda es de treinta días.
    The store's return policy is thirty days.
  • Solicité la devolución del dinero, pero aún no la he recibido.
    I requested a refund of the money, but I haven't received it yet.
  • Para hacer una devolución, necesita el recibo original.
    To make a return, you need the original receipt.
  • El libro tenía un defecto, así que procedí con la devolución.
    The book had a defect, so I proceeded with the return.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'devolución' comes from the verb 'devolver' (to give back), which itself is built from the prefix 'de-' and the verb 'volver' (to return, to come back). This connection highlights the core meaning of something going back to its origin.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "devolución"

Synonyms: reembolso, reintegro, retorno
Opposites: compra, pago, adquisición

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'refund' in Spanish?
The most common and direct way to say 'refund' is 'devolución'. The word 'reembolso' is also frequently used, specifically for a monetary refund or reimbursement.
How do you pronounce 'devolución' in Spanish?
In Castilian Spanish, it's pronounced /de.βo.lu.ˈθjon/. In Latin American Spanish, it's /de.βo.lu.ˈsjon/. The stress is on the final syllable, '-ción'.
How do you use 'devolución' in a sentence?
A common example is: 'Quisiera hacer una devolución de esta camisa' (I would like to return this shirt).
What is the English translation of 'devolución'?
'Devolución' translates to 'refund' or 'return'. The specific meaning depends on the context; it can be the return of an item or the refund of money.
Does 'devolución' change for gender or number?
Yes. 'Devolución' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'devoluciones'. For example, 'Hice dos devoluciones la semana pasada' (I made two returns last week).
Is 'devolución' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'devolución' is very common, especially in contexts related to shopping, finance, and libraries (the return of books).
Does 'devolución' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'devolución' does not typically have slang or double meanings. Its use is quite standard and literal, referring to the act of returning something.
Is 'devolución' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'devolución' is consistent across Spain and Latin America for returning items. For a monetary refund, both 'devolución' and 'reembolso' are widely understood, though local preference may vary slightly.

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