Meaning
You will encounter 答 everywhere in daily Japanese life, from school exams to business emails. It represents the act of replying, responding, or finding a solution to a problem. As an N4 level kanji, it is a vital building block for intermediate communication.
Its structure offers a glimpse into ancient writing practices. The character combines the bamboo radical (竹 - take) at the top with the character for 'fit' or 'combine' (合 - au) at the bottom. Before paper was widely available, people wrote official records and messages on bamboo slips. A proper response needed to 'fit' the original inquiry perfectly, much like two matching tally sticks. This visual history gives us the meaning of a 'fitting response written on bamboo.'
Japanese students learn this 12-stroke character in the 2nd grade. While the strokes are straightforward, the kanji is versatile. It covers everything from a simple verbal 'yes' to complex mathematical solutions and life-changing decisions.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main on'yomi is トウ (tō). Use this reading for compound words (jukugo), particularly in formal, academic, or technical contexts.
- 回答 (kaitō) — reply, answer (common for surveys or official inquiries)
- 解答 (kaitō) — solution, answer (specifically for solving a puzzle or math problem)
- 返答 (hentō) — reply, response (used for personal messages or spoken replies)
- 答案 (tōan) — examination paper, answer sheet
- 口答 (kōtō) — oral answer, verbal response
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The native readings are こた.える (kotaeru) for the verb and こたえ (kotae) for the noun. These are the go-to choices for daily conversation. When using the verb, use the particle 'ni' to mark what you are answering.
- 答える (kotaeru) — to answer, to reply
- 答え (kotae) — an answer, a response
- 問い答え (toikotae) — Q&A, dialogue
- 言い答え (iikotae) — talking back, retort
Common Words & Compounds
Choosing the right 'answer' depends on the context. While English often uses one word, Japanese makes specific distinctions.
Academic and Professional Contexts:
- 解答 (kaitō): Use this when there is a 'correct' result to be found, like a math equation or a riddle.
- 回答 (kaitō): Pronounced the same as above, but used for general replies, such as filling out a questionnaire.
- 正答 (seitō): The correct or definitive answer on a test.
- 即答 (sokutō): An immediate, on-the-spot reply.
Personal and Social Contexts:
- 返答 (hentō): A response given back to a person. If a friend asks you a favor, your reply is a 'hentō'.
- 自問自答 (jimon jitō): Self-reflection; literally 'asking oneself and answering oneself.'
- 贈答 (zōtō): The traditional exchange of gifts, viewed as a cycle of giving and 'replying.'
Example Sentences
先生の質問に答えます。
sensei no shitsumon ni kotaemasu.
I'll answer the teacher's question.
この問題の正しい答えがわかりません。
kono mondai no tadashii kotae ga wakarimasen.
I don't know the correct answer to this problem.
試験の答案を出してください。
shiken no tōan o dashite kudasai.
Please turn in your answer sheets.
メールの返答をずっと待っています。
mēru no hentō o zutto matte imasu.
I've been waiting ages for an email reply.
彼はどんな難しい質問にも即答した。
kare wa donna muzukashii shitsumon ni mo sokutō shita.
He gave an immediate answer to every difficult question.
アンケートの回答に協力してください。
ankēto no kaitō ni kyōryoku shite kudasai.
Please help us by completing the survey.
Related Kanji
- 題 — Topic, Subject, Problem (Kanji N4)
- 業 — Business, Vocation, Arts, Karma (Kanji N4)
- 知 — Know, Wisdom, Intellect (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 走 — Run, Move fast (Kanji N4)
- 思 — To Think, Feel, Imagine (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
Look at the components: Bamboo (竹) on top and Fit/Match (合) on the bottom. Imagine a bamboo container with a lid. The answer to keeping the contents safe is finding the lid that fits perfectly. Or, think of a quiz written on bamboo where you must match the correct solution to the question.