Translation guide
The English word 'responding' covers a range of situations from answering a question to reacting to an event. In Japanese, the best expression depends on what you are responding to and the context. This guide helps you choose the most natural option.
To reply to someone's question, letter, email, or spoken inquiry.
The most common and general verb for answering a question. Used for both spoken and written replies.
質問に答えてください。
Please answer the question.
彼はメールにすぐ答えた。
He responded to the email right away.
Specifically means to give a reply or response, often to a message, invitation, or request. Implies a communicative response.
招待状に返事をしてください。
Please respond to the invitation.
彼女からまだ返事が来ない。
I haven't received a response from her yet.
A formal or technical term for responding, often used in contexts like customer service, systems, or official replies.
お客様の問い合わせに迅速に応答します。
We respond promptly to customer inquiries.
To act in response to an event, change, or external stimulus.
The most common verb for reacting to a stimulus, situation, or someone's action. Can be used for physical, emotional, or behavioral reactions.
彼はそのニュースに驚いて反応した。
He reacted with surprise to the news.
この機械は音に反応する。
This machine responds to sound.
Means to deal with, handle, or respond to a situation, problem, or request. Often implies taking appropriate action.
緊急事態に対応する準備はできていますか？
Are you prepared to respond to an emergency?
苦情に適切に対応した。
We responded appropriately to the complaint.
Often used when responding to a request, demand, or invitation. Implies compliance or acceptance.
To give verbal or non-verbal signals that you are listening and engaged in a conversation.
In Japanese conversation, frequent short responses like 'はい', 'ええ', 'そうですか', 'なるほど' are essential to show you are listening. This is called aizuchi. Simply staying silent can be perceived as disinterest.
A: 昨日映画を見ました。B: はい。A: とても面白かったです。B: そうですか。
A: I watched a movie yesterday. B: Uh-huh. A: It was very interesting. B: Oh, really?
The verb phrase meaning 'to give aizuchi'. Useful when describing the action.
彼は話を聞きながら、適度に相槌を打った。
He responded appropriately with aizuchi while listening to the story.
To show a reaction to medical treatment, training, or environmental conditions.
Also used for medical or biological responses, such as a patient responding to medication.
患者は治療によく反応している。
The patient is responding well to the treatment.
In medical contexts, can be used for a patient's response, but 反応する is more common.
薬物への応答を観察する。
Observe the response to the medication.
答える (こたえる) is the general verb for answering a question. 返事する (へんじする) is specifically for replying to a message or giving a response to a request. 応答する (おうとうする) is formal and often used in business or technical contexts.
反応する (はんのうする) is a direct reaction to a stimulus, often involuntary or immediate. 対応する (たいおうする) implies a more deliberate, appropriate response to a situation or problem.
When listening to someone speak Japanese, make sure to give frequent verbal nods like 'はい', 'ええ', 'そうですね'. This is not just polite; it's a fundamental part of Japanese communication. Without it, the speaker may think you are not paying attention or disagree.
彼は依頼に快く応じた。
He willingly responded to the request.
アンケートにご協力いただける方は、下記までお応じください。
If you are willing to respond to the survey, please contact us at the address below.