solution, answer
答 centers on responding to a question or problem: giving an answer or solution.
答 combines 竹 (bamboo) and 合 (to fit, join). Historically, it likely referred to a bamboo tally or document used to match or answer, extending to the idea of a reply or solution.
Bamboo 竹 slips fit together 合 like a perfect answer clicking into place. Think of joining bamboo pieces to solve a puzzle.
For トウ, imagine a toe tapping as the answer clicks: toe -> トウ, and the bamboo pieces fit together with a satisfying tap.
answer; reply; response
reply; answer
to answer; to reply
reply; answer; response
reply; answer
answer; solution
response; reply; answer; defence; defense
questions and answers; dialogue
immediate reply
reply; response; answer
examination paper; examination script; answer sheet
answering one's own question; wondering to oneself; soliloquizing; soliloquising
report; reply; findings
exchange of presents
correct answer
retort; back talk; backchat
arguing back and forth; bandying words; verbal tug-of-war
address in reply (e.g. at a ceremony); formal reply
Zen dialogue; Zen questions and answers
excellent answer; clever answer