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.
質問の答えがわからない。
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.
メールの返事をまだもらっていない。
I haven't received a reply to my email yet.
A formal answer, often used for surveys, questionnaires, or official responses.
アンケートの回答をお願いします。
Please fill out the survey answers.
A response or reply, often used in technical or formal contexts like answering machines or automated systems.
応答がない場合は留守番電話にお切り替えください。
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.
この問題の答えは何ですか？
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.
電話に出てくれますか？
Can you answer the phone?
誰かがドアをノックしたので出た。
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.
The general verb for answering a question. Used for both spoken and written responses.
先生の質問に答えた。
I answered the teacher's question.
To answer formally, often used for surveys or written responses.
アンケートに回答する。
Answer the survey.
You want to express that someone must explain their actions or take responsibility.
To take responsibility. Often used when someone must answer for a mistake or failure.
彼はその失敗の責任を取らなければならない。
He must answer for that failure.
Can also mean to answer for one's actions, but usually in set phrases like 罪に答える (to answer for a crime).
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.
You want to say that something fits a description or meets requirements.
To fit or apply to a description. Often used when something answers a description.
その男は犯人像に当てはまる。
The man answers the description of the suspect.
To match or coincide with. More formal.
その特徴は目撃者の証言に合致する。
The characteristics answer the witness's testimony.
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.
電話に出る
answer the phone
答えがわかりません。
I don't know the answer.
質問に答えてください。
Please answer the question.
彼女は私のメールに返事をくれなかった。
She didn't answer my email.
玄関に出てくれる？
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.