Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reply" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reply", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
返事
へんじ (henji)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
返事する
へんじする (henji suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 返事 and 返事する.
In Japanese, 返事 (へんじ (henji)) is typically associated with "reply, answer" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for giving an answer or reply, often to a question, email, or invitation. Can be used with ~する.
On the other hand, 返事する (へんじする (henji suru)) maps to "to reply; to answer" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A する-verb meaning 'to reply' or 'to answer'. Often used with a particle. A literal translation of "reply" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "返事"
メールにすぐに返事を書きました。
I immediately wrote a reply to the email.
Bilingual Context for "返事する"
彼からのメールにすぐに返事しました。
I immediately replied to the email from him.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "メールにすぐに ＿＿＿ を書きました。" (Meaning: "I immediately wrote a reply to the email.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "返事" fits here because it means "reply, answer" in the context of: "I immediately wrote a reply to the email.". "返事する" represents "to reply; to answer".