Translation guide
How to express 'retort' in Japanese, covering quick verbal replies, argumentative comebacks, and the noun/verb usage.
A fast, often witty or sharp verbal response in conversation.
Common verb meaning 'to talk back' or 'retort'. Often used for quick, sometimes defiant replies.
彼はすぐに言い返した。
He retorted immediately.
何か言い返そうとしたが、言葉が出なかった。
I tried to retort something, but the words wouldn't come out.
Literally 'to slash back', used for a quick, clever comeback or retort in conversation or debate.
彼女は鋭く切り返した。
She retorted sharply.
Noun meaning 'backtalk' or 'retort', often with a nuance of defiance, especially towards a superior.
子供が親に口答えするのはよくない。
It's not good for children to retort to their parents.
A reply that counters an argument, often clever or pointed.
Noun/verb meaning 'counterargument' or 'objection'. Used in formal or logical contexts.
彼の意見に反論した。
I retorted to his opinion.
Also works for argumentative retorts, though more casual than 反論.
Literally 'to do back', meaning to retaliate verbally. Stronger, often implies getting even.
A humorous or clever comeback, often in a light-hearted context.
Noun form of 切り返す, meaning a witty comeback or retort.
彼の切り返しはいつも面白い。
His retorts are always funny.
Referring to the reply itself as a thing.
Noun form of 言い返す, meaning a retort or backtalk.
彼の言い返しに驚いた。
I was surprised by his retort.
Also used as a noun for a counterargument or retort.
彼女の反論は的を射ていた。
Her retort was to the point.
言い返す is a general verb for talking back, often in everyday arguments. 反論 is more formal and logical, used in debates or written contexts.
彼は上司に言い返した。
He retorted to his boss. (casual, possibly defiant)
彼は上司に反論した。
He retorted to his boss. (formal, presenting a counterargument)
The English word 'retort' can be a noun or verb. In Japanese, you often need to choose a specific verb or noun based on the context. Simply using リトート (a loanword) is not common and may not be understood.
彼は怒って言い返した。
He retorted angrily.
嫌味を言われたので、やり返した。
I was given a snide remark, so I retorted.
A four-character compound meaning 'ready wit' or 'quick and clever reply'. Often used to describe someone's retort.
彼の当意即妙な返答に感心した。
I was impressed by his witty retort.