Translation and Meaning of: 答え - kotae

The Japanese word 答え (こたえ, kotae) is a fundamental term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "answer," but it carries nuances that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore the everyday use of this word, its origins, and how it relates to communication in Japan.

In addition to being essential in day-to-day conversations, 答え also appears in formal and educational contexts. If you have already studied Japanese, you probably encountered it in exercises or dialogues. Here, we will unravel everything from its writing in kanji to tips for memorizing it efficiently, always based on reliable sources.

Meaning and use of 答え in daily life

答え is the most common word for "answer" in Japanese, whether in informal or formal situations. It can be used for both verbal and written answers, such as in tests or questionnaires. For example, when answering a question in class, a student would say "答えはこれです" (kotae wa kore desu – "The answer is this").

The interesting thing is that, unlike Portuguese, 答え is not usually replaced by synonyms in common conversations. While in Portuguese we can vary between "response", "reply", or "return", in Japanese this word maintains its space in a more consolidated way. This makes it even more important for language learners.

Origin and writing of the kanji 答え

The kanji 答 (tou) by itself means "to answer," while え (e) is a suffix that transforms the verb into a noun. Together, they form 答え, which represents the act or content of an answer. This construction is common in Japanese words, where a verb gains the ending え to become a noun.

It is worth noting that the radical of 答 is ⺮ (take), related to bamboo, which was historically used to write answers on wooden boards in ancient Japan. This connection to writing is not accidental and helps to understand why the kanji has this shape. To memorize it, think of "responding with bamboo" – an unusual association, but it works.

Tips for memorizing and using 答え correctly

A practical way to memorize 答え is to associate it with everyday situations where answers are needed. When someone asks something in Japanese, visualize that you are looking for the 答え. This type of contextualization helps the brain retain vocabulary naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the word appears in animes, dramas, or even in study materials. Often, it comes up in phrases like "答えがわからない" (kotae ga wakaranai – "I don't know the answer"). Observing these usage patterns makes it easier to internalize the term without needing to memorize it.

Finally, it is important to remember that 答え is a neutral word, without any positive or negative connotations on its own. It all depends on the context in which it is used. In Japan, where indirect communication is valued, understanding when and how to provide a 答え is just as important as knowing the meaning of the word itself.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 回答 (Kaitō) - General response, typically used in question-and-answer contexts.
• 解答 (Kaitō) - Answer to a problem or question, often associated with exam or test issues.
• 答案 (Tōan) - Written answer provided in an exam or test; may refer to the answer document.
• 答复 (Tōfuku) - Response or reply, commonly used in formal contexts or correspondence.
• 返答 (Hentō) - A response given in return, used in dialogues.
• 応答 (Ōtō) - Response in a communication context, such as in calls or interactive dialogues.
• 答弁 (Tōben) - Formal response, usually used in legal or voting contexts.
• 答申 (Tōshin) - Official report or recommendation, frequently used in administrative contexts.
• 答覆 (Tōfuku) - A reply or response, similar to "answer" in correspondences.
• 答辞 (Tōji) - Formal speech or response, often during ceremonies or events.
• 答出 (Tōshutsu) - Deliver or issue a response, often related to reports or results.
• 答応 (Tōō) - Response or reaction to a question; more informal.
• 答案を出す (Tōan o dasu) - Submit an answer in an exam.
• 答案を書く (Tōan o kaku) - To write a response; refers to the act of putting answers on paper.

答え

Romaji: kotae
Kana: こたえ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Reply

Meaning in English: answer;response

Definition: Your question needs more specific words. Would you like to know the definition of a particular word?

Example Sentences - (答え) kotae

See below some example sentences:

肯定的な答えを出してください。

Kōteki na kotae o dashite kudasai

Please give a positive response.

Give a positive answer.

• 肯定的な - adjective meaning "affirmative" or "positive"
• 答え - noun meaning "answer"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 出して - verb in the imperative meaning "to give" or "to provide"
• ください - verb in the imperative meaning "please"

彼は的確な答えを出した。

Kare wa tekikaku na kotae o dashita

He gave an accurate answer.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 的確な (tekikakuna) - I need, exact
• 答え (kotae) - Reply
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 出した (dashita) - Gave, presented

私はあなたの質問に答えることができますか？

Watashi wa anata no shitsumon ni kotaeru koto ga dekimasu ka?

Can I answer your question?

Can I answer your question?

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• あなた (anata) - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の (no) - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 質問 (shitsumon) - Japanese noun meaning "question"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle indicating the target of the action
• 答える (kotaeru) - Japanese verb meaning "to answer"
• こと (koto) - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できますか (dekimasu ka) - Japanese expression meaning "is it possible?" or "can you?"

問答は人生の一部です。

Mondou wa jinsei no ichibu desu

Questions and answers are part of life.

• 問答 - "questions and answers"
• は - It is a topic marking particle in Japanese.
• 人生 - Means "life" in Japanese.
• の - it is a possessive particle in Japanese.
• 一部 - "part" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.