Translation guide
How to express 'reply' in Japanese, covering verbal responses, written replies, and digital communication.
Responding to a question, statement, or request in conversation.
The most common word for a reply or answer in conversation. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to reply'.
彼からまだ返事がない。
I haven't received a reply from him yet.
すぐに返事をしてください。
Please reply immediately.
A slightly more formal word for reply or answer. Often used in business or official contexts.
ご返答をお待ちしております。
We look forward to your reply.
Used for responses in technical contexts, such as answering machines or automated systems.
応答がありません。
There is no response.
Responding to a written communication.
Standard word for a written reply, especially for emails, letters, or messages. Used with する to mean 'to reply'.
メールに返信しました。
I replied to the email.
返信が遅くなってすみません。
Sorry for the late reply.
Also used for written replies, though 返信 is more specific to written communication.
Loanword from English, used mainly in social media or online contexts for a reply to a post or comment.
Giving a brief or immediate response.
Refers to the back-and-forth of replies in a conversation, often implying prompt and appropriate responses.
彼女は受け答えが上手だ。
She is good at replying (in conversation).
An immediate reply or answer, often used when someone answers without hesitation.
Responding to a business inquiry, request, or formal communication.
Polite form of 返事, used when referring to someone else's reply or in formal requests.
ご返事をお待ちしております。
We look forward to your reply.
Polite word for a reply or answer, often used in surveys, questionnaires, or formal inquiries.
アンケートにご回答ください。
Please reply to the survey.
Responding to a message in instant messaging apps.
Commonly used for replying to messages in apps like LINE or chat services.
LINEで返信する。
Reply on LINE.
Slang for reading a message but not replying (leaving on read).
返事 is the most general word for reply, used in both spoken and written contexts. 返信 is specifically for written replies like emails or messages. 返答 is more formal and often used in business or official situations.
While 返事する and 返信する are common, in casual speech Japanese often uses other verbs like 答える (to answer) or simply 言う (to say) depending on context. For example, 'He replied, "Yes"' is often just 「はい」と言った rather than 返事した.
手紙の返事を書く。
Write a reply to a letter.
ツイートにリプライする。
Reply to a tweet.
彼は即答した。
He replied immediately.
彼に既読スルーされた。
He read my message but didn't reply.