Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Answer" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "answer", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
答え
こたえ (kotae)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
答える
こたえる (kotaeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "answer" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 答え and 答える.
In Japanese, 答え (こたえ (kotae)) is typically associated with "answer" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents The solution to a question or problem. The verb is 答える.
On the other hand, 答える (こたえる (kotaeru)) maps to "to answer" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used with the particle 「に. A literal translation of "answer" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "答え"
彼の答えはいつも正しいです。
His answer is always correct.
Bilingual Context for "答える"
先生の質問に答えます。
I answer the teacher's question.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の ＿＿＿ はいつも正しいです。" (Meaning: "His answer is always correct.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "答え" fits here because it means "answer" in the context of: "His answer is always correct.". "答える" represents "to answer".