Translation and Meaning of: 回答 - kaitou

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 回答 (かいとう). It appears frequently in formal and everyday situations, but do you know precisely what it means and how to use it correctly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word is used. Furthermore, you will discover practical tips to memorize it and understand its importance in Japanese communication.

The meaning and origin of 回答

The word 回答 (かいとう) means "answer" or "reply." It is composed of two kanji: 回 (kai), which can mean "turn" or "time," and 答 (tou), which represents "answer." Together, these characters form a term that indicates a formal answer or a solution to a question or problem.

Unlike more informal words like 返事 (へんじ), which also means "response," 回答 carries a more serious and structured tone. It is commonly seen in academic, professional, or formal contexts, where formality is essential. Its usage dates back to the Edo period, when the Japanese language began incorporating more technical terms to handle bureaucracies and documents.

How and when to use 回答 in daily life

In everyday life, 回答 is frequently used in situations that require clarity and objectivity. For example, in opinion polls, you may find questions followed by 回答欄 (かいとうらん), which means "response space". Similarly, in corporate emails, it is common to see phrases like ご回答をお待ちしております (ごかいとうをおまちしております), which means "We await your response".

Another context in which this word appears is in tests and exams, where students must mark their 回答 on an answer sheet. It is worth noting that, although it is a formal term, it does not sound excessively rigid. Even in more casual conversations, if someone asks for a well-founded opinion, 回答 can be the right choice.

Tips to memorize and differentiate 回答

An effective way to reinforce 回答 in memory is to associate it with specific situations, like filling out a form or answering a questionnaire. Repeating the word out loud and writing it several times also helps, especially since the kanjis that make it up are relatively simple. Another strategy is to create flashcards with practical examples, like 質問に回答する (しつもんにかいとうする), which means "to answer a question."

In addition, it is important not to confuse 回答 with similar terms, such as 解答 (かいとう), which specifically refers to "correct answer" or "solution to a problem." While 回答 is more generic, 解答 has a more technical bias, common in educational materials and exercise books. Understanding this difference can help avoid misunderstandings when communicating.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 答え (kotae) - Answer, solution to a question or problem.
• 解答 (kaitou) - Answer, mainly in formal or academic contexts, such as in exams.
• 応答 (outou) - Response in an interaction or communication; it can refer to replies in dialogues.
• 返答 (hentou) - Response that usually involves some type of return; may include an acknowledgment of a request.
• 回答する (kaiTou suru) - The act of responding or giving a formal answer to a question or issue.

回答

Romaji: kaitou
Kana: かいとう
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Reply

Meaning in English: reply;answer

Definition: Unknown. For which words are you providing definitions?

Example Sentences - (回答) kaitou

See below some example sentences:

回答をお願いします。

Kaitō o onegaishimasu

Please give me an answer.

• 回答 - means "response" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• お願いします - The polite request expression in Japanese can be translated as "please" or "thank you in advance".