Translation guide
The English word "answer" covers several distinct situations: replying to a question, solving a problem, responding to a call or door, and more. Japanese uses different words and strategies for each. This guide helps you choose the right one.
You want to give a spoken or written response to someone's question.
The most general word for an answer to a question. Works in most contexts.
I don't know the answer to the question.
A reply or response, often used for written answers or when acknowledging a message. Implies a reaction to communication.
I haven't received a reply to my email yet.
A formal answer, often used for surveys, questionnaires, or official responses.
Please fill out the survey answers.
A response or reply, often used in technical or formal contexts like answering machines or automated systems.
If there is no answer, please leave a message after the beep.
You want to refer to the correct result of a math problem, riddle, or logical question.
Also used for the solution to a problem or the correct answer in a test.
What is the answer to this problem?
Specifically the answer to an exam question or puzzle. More formal than 答え.
The correct answer. Emphasizes correctness, often used in quizzes or games.
You want to describe the act of picking up the phone, opening the door, or reacting when someone calls your name.
The most common verb for answering the phone or door. Literally means 'to go out', but used idiomatically.
Can you answer the phone?
Someone knocked on the door, so I answered it.
To respond or comply, often used for answering a call, summons, or request. More formal.
You want to describe the action of providing an answer, not just the answer itself.
You want to express that someone must explain their actions or take responsibility.
You want to say that something fits a description or meets requirements.
答え (kotae) is the most general word for an answer to a question or problem. 返事 (henji) is a reply to a message or call, emphasizing the act of responding. 回答 (kaitō) is a formal answer, often written, like to a survey or official inquiry.
When you answer the phone, use 電話に出る (denwa ni deru), not 電話に答える. 答える is for answering questions, not for picking up a call.
answer the phone
I don't know the answer.
Please answer the question.
She didn't answer my email.
Can you answer the door?
試験の解答を確認する。
Check the answers to the exam.
正解は「B」です。
The correct answer is B.
呼びかけに応じる。
Answer the call.
彼は自分の行動について答えなければならない。
He must answer for his actions.
The characteristics answer the witness's testimony.