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.
Please answer the question.
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.
Please respond to the invitation.
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.
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.
He reacted with surprise to the news.
This machine responds to sound.
Means to deal with, handle, or respond to a situation, problem, or request. Often implies taking appropriate action.
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: I watched a movie yesterday. B: Uh-huh. A: It was very interesting. B: Oh, really?
To show a reaction to medical treatment, training, or environmental conditions.
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.
Are you prepared to respond to an emergency?
We responded appropriately to the complaint.
彼は依頼に快く応じた。
He willingly responded to the request.
If you are willing to respond to the survey, please contact us at the address below.
The verb phrase meaning 'to give aizuchi'. Useful when describing the action.
He responded appropriately with aizuchi while listening to the story.
Observe the response to the medication.