Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Answer" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "answer", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
答える
こたえる (kotaeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
回答
かいとう (kaitou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "answer" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 答える and 回答.
In Japanese, 答える (こたえる (kotaeru)) is typically associated with "to answer" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used with the particle 「に.
On the other hand, 回答 (かいとう (kaitou)) maps to "answer; reply; response (to questions / survey / proposal)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a formal answer, reply, or solution response to questions, business inquiries, questionnaires, or marriage proposals. Often used as 質問に回答する or 迅速な回答. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Answer/response! "Please let me hear your smart answer. A literal translation of "answer" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "答える"
先生の質問に答えます。
I answer the teacher's question.
Bilingual Context for "回答"
顧客サポートシステムに寄せられた複雑な技術的問い合わせに対し、彼は完璧な調査を行ってスマートに_______を送信しました。
In response to the complex technical inquiry sent to the customer support system, he conducted a perfect investigation and smartly sent the answer.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生の質問に答えます。" (Meaning: "I answer the teacher's question.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "答える" fits here because it means "to answer" in the context of: "I answer the teacher's question.". "回答" represents "answer; reply; response (to questions / survey / proposal)".