Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Respond" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "respond", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
応じる
おうじる (ōjiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
呼応
こおう (koō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "respond" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 応じる and 呼応.
In Japanese, 応じる (おうじる (ōjiru)) is typically associated with "to respond; to comply with; to meet (a request)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when something is done in response to a request, an offer, an order, or a particular situation. It implies adapting or conforming to something..
On the other hand, 呼応 (こおう (koō)) maps to "respond to, act in concert with, echo, correspond" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies a mutual response or coordinated action between two or more parties. It can describe people responding to a call or idea, or different elements working together in harmony or opposition.. A literal translation of "respond" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "応じる"
お客様の要望に応じて、サービスを改善します。
We will improve our services in response to customer requests.
Bilingual Context for "呼応"
デモ隊の呼びかけに、多くの市民が呼応した。
Many citizens responded to the demonstrators' call.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お客様の要望に応じて、サービスを改善します。" (Meaning: "We will improve our services in response to customer requests.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "応じる" fits here because it means "to respond; to comply with; to meet (a request)" in the context of: "We will improve our services in response to customer requests.". "呼応" represents "respond to, act in concert with, echo, correspond".