回答
Meaning in Englishreply, answer
Animated kanji stroke order
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Word context
What it means
What does 回答 mean? It is a noun that denotes giving an answer or reply to a question or inquiry, used in formal, written, or official contexts, and it can be combined with する to form 回答する.
Main meanings
- Primary meaning as a noun: an answer or response to a question or inquiry.
- In formal or official contexts, such as surveys, Q and A sessions, exams, or bureaucratic communication.
- When used in technical or examination contexts, it denotes an official solution or answer, comparable to 解答 in some contexts.
How to use it
In everyday Japanese, 回答 is common in formal, written, and structured exchanges such as surveys, questionnaires, meetings, or official replies. It is less common in casual speech where 回答よりも返事 or 答える is used; in technical or exam contexts, 回答 often means the required answer or solution and is linked to formal documentation.
Variants and close terms
- 返答 (へんとう / hentō) — more natural in spoken or semi-formal replies
- 応答 (おうとう / ōtō) — response, especially in interactive or technical contexts
- 解答 (かいとう / kaitō) — answer to a problem or a test
- 返事 (へんじ / henji) — casual reply
Composition
- 回: turn, loop; in this compound, it contributes the sense of returning or repeating an action as part of giving an answer
- 答: to answer; the core idea of providing a reply or solution
Etymology
phonetic The reading kaitō comes from the on'yomi readings kai and tō, blended to express the act of giving an answer; the pronunciation consolidates into kaitō in standard usage.
Word class
noun (名詞); verb phrase: 回答する is a suru-verb