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
返信
へんしん (henshin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 返事 and 返信.
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, 返信 (へんしん (henshin)) maps to "reply, response (to an email/message)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Primarily used for replying to emails, messages, or letters. Can be used with する. 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 "返信"
先生からのメールに返信した。
I replied to the email from my teacher.
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.". "返信" represents "reply, response (to an email/message)".