に応えて・
に応えて introduces an action taken in response to a request, expectation, encouragement, public appeal, or similar prompt. It often suggests actively answering or living up to what someone has asked for or hoped for.
A prompt followed by a response
The noun before the construction names what calls for a response. The following action should be recognizable as an answer to that call: granting a request, meeting expectations, acting on public feedback, or performing because of encouragement.
Typical prompts
Common nouns here include requests, expectations, public voices, demands, support, and encores.
顧客の要望に応えて、営業時間を一時間延長した。
In response to customer requests, the business extended its opening hours by one hour.
Analyze地元の期待に応えて、チームは決勝に進んだ。
Living up to local expectations, the team advanced to the final.
Analyze住民の声に応え、市は夜間バスの運行を始めた。
Responding to residents' calls, the city began operating a nighttime bus service.
AnalyzeThe compact connector gives this sentence the concise tone of a report or public announcement.
When the response falls short
今回は皆様の期待に応えられず、申し訳ありません。
We are sorry that we were unable to meet everyone's expectations this time.
AnalyzeThe potential negative is common in apologies and public statements about failing to fulfill expectations.
Responding versus adjusting
に応えて presents the first noun as a request, expectation, appeal, or other prompt that someone answers. By contrast, に応じて means adjusting something according to a condition, degree, or circumstance. Similar English translations such as “according to” can hide this important difference.
More examples
医師の要請に応えて、自治体は臨時の相談窓口を設けた。
In response to the doctors' request, the local government set up a temporary consultation desk.
Analyze読者の声に応え、記事の検索機能を改善しました。
In response to reader feedback, we improved the article search function.
Analyzeファンの声援に応えて、選手は最後の一周でペースを上げた。
Responding to the fans' cheers, the athlete increased the pace on the final lap.
Analyzeアンコールに応えて、出演者全員が再び舞台に立った。
In response to the encore, the entire cast returned to the stage.
Analyze市場の要求に応えられなければ、製品の見直しが必要だ。
If the product cannot meet market demands, it will need to be reconsidered.
Analyze妹のリクエストに応えて、夕食にカレーを作った。
At my younger sister's request, I made curry for dinner.
Analyze