返事する · noun or participle which takes 'suru'
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 返事する | 返事しない |
| Polite | 返事します | 返事しません |
| Past polite | 返事しました | 返事しませんでした |
| Past | 返事した | 返事しなかった |
| Te-form | 返事して | 返事しないで |
| Desire | 返事したい | 返事したくない |
| Potential | 返事できる | 返事できない |
| Passive | 返事される | 返事されない |
| Causative | 返事させる | 返事させない |
| Causative passive | 返事させられる | 返事させられない |
| Volitional | 返事しよう | |
| Polite volitional | 返事しましょう | |
| Imperative | 返事しろ | 返事するな |
| Conditional | 返事すれば | 返事しなければ |
| Tara conditional | 返事したら | 返事しなかったら |
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
General word for a reply or response in conversation, correspondence, or to a call/signal. Often used with する to mean 'to reply'.
I haven't written a reply to the email yet.
I called his name, but there was no answer.
I replied to the teacher's question.
I wrote a reply to the email.
I'm waiting for her reply.
I still haven't received a reply to my inquiry.
I was asked a strange question and didn't know how to reply.
返事 is the standard modern word for a reply or answer, while 返 is an old telegram abbreviation for the same idea and is now rarely used outside historical contexts.
相槌 is a brief verbal cue like 'uh-huh' showing you're listening, while 返事 is a fuller reply or answer to what was said.
返事 is a casual, everyday reply to someone, whereas 答弁 is a formal, structured response given in an official or legal setting.
返事 is a general reply or answer, while 挨拶 in this sense is a more formal response, as in New Year's cards.
返事 is a general, everyday word for any kind of reply or answer, whereas リプライ specifically refers to a written reply in digital platforms.
返事 refers specifically to a verbal or written reply, while 反応 covers any kind of reaction, verbal or not.
返事 refers specifically to a verbal or written reply, whereas リアクション can also cover facial expressions, gestures, or other nonverbal responses.
返事 is the everyday word for a reply in speech or writing, while レス is specifically online chat/forum jargon.
返事する is a neutral 'to reply' with no argumentative overtone, whereas 言い返す often implies answering back or retorting.
返事する is more casual and often used for a simple reply or acknowledgment, while 答える is broader and can be more formal.
half-hearted reply; vague answer; reluctant answer
absent-minded reply; vague response; noncommittal answer
ready reply; quick answer