expression, godan verb (-su)
Neutral expression for giving a verbal reply or response.
彼は私の質問にすぐ言葉を返した。
He immediately replied to my question.
expression, godan verb (-su)
talk back; retort
Used when someone answers back sharply or defiantly, often with a negative connotation.
目上の人に言葉を返すのは失礼だ。
It's rude to talk back to a superior.