手早い答え
voltar は主語が戻ること、devolver は物を持ち主に返すことです。
確実な見分け方は、英語から訳す前に、その単語の働きを見きわめることです。
それぞれの単語の働き
voltar
to return or go back
Use voltar for a person or thing moving back to a place or previous state.
devolver
to return or give back
Use devolver for giving an object, money, or responsibility back to its owner or source.
選び方
- voltar: Choose voltar if the sentence points to a person or thing moving back to a place or previous state.
- devolver: Choose devolver if the sentence points to giving an object, money, or responsibility back to its owner or source.
例文
Vou voltar para casa cedo.
I am going to return home early.
Preciso devolver o livro.
I need to return the book.
よくある落とし穴
For a library book, devolver is the clear verb. Voltar o livro is not the normal way to say “return the book.”
文脈の中で練習する
自分の実生活から文を一つ選び、二回書いてみましょう。一度はvoltarで、もう一度はdevolverで。どちらも成り立ちそうなら、意味の違いを言葉にしてみましょう。