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A1 noun #2,679 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

返信

henshin
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 返信 en 30 secondes
Explication 返信 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should recognize 返信 (henshin) as the word for 'reply' in digital contexts. You will mostly see it as a button on your phone or in simple sentences like '返信をください' (Please give me a reply). At this stage, focus on the fact that it is used for emails and LINE messages. You don't need to worry about complex honorifics yet; just remember that '返信する' is the verb 'to reply'. Think of it as a basic survival word for staying in touch with friends or teachers via text. You might use it when you are late replying to a friend: '返信、遅れてごめん' (Sorry for the late reply). It is a high-frequency word because so much of our daily interaction happens through screens. Even if you can't write the kanji yet, recognizing the 'へんしん' sound and its connection to your phone's 'Reply' button is a great first step. You should also learn to distinguish it from 'Henji', which you use when someone calls your name in person. If you are using a Japanese app, this is likely one of the first 10 words you will interact with. Practice by looking at your email inbox and identifying where the '返信' button is. This physical association will help cement the word in your memory. Remember: Written = Henshin, Spoken = Henji.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 返信 (henshin) in more complete sentences and start to understand basic etiquette. You should be able to say things like '昨日、メールの返信をしました' (I replied to the email yesterday) or '友達から返信が来ました' (A reply came from my friend). You are also introduced to the concept of 'Henshin ga osoi' (slow to reply) and 'Henshin ga hayai' (fast to reply), which are common ways to describe people's communication habits. You might start using the particle 'ni' to show who you are replying to: '田中さんに返信します'. This level also involves recognizing the word in short, simple announcements, such as '返信不要' (No reply needed), which you might see at the end of a school or work notification. You are starting to see the kanji more often, so noticing the 'return' (返) radical is helpful. You should also be aware that while 'Henshin' is for writing, 'Henji' is still the safer, more general choice if you are unsure. However, in any context involving a screen, 'Henshin' is the more precise and natural word. You might also start to notice the word in social media contexts, where people talk about 'Henshin' in threads. It's a key word for managing your digital social life in Japanese.
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By B1, you are expected to use 返信 (henshin) fluently in professional and semi-formal contexts. You should be comfortable using the honorific version, ご返信 (go-henshin), when speaking to superiors or clients. A common phrase at this level is 'ご返信ありがとうございます' (Thank you for your reply), which is essential for business correspondence. You also start to use more complex structures, such as '返信を差し上げる' (to give a reply - humble) or '返信をいただく' (to receive a reply - humble). You understand the social implications of a 'late reply' and can offer appropriate apologies like '返信が遅くなり、大変失礼いたしました'. You also begin to encounter compound words like '返信用封筒' (reply envelope) in administrative tasks. At B1, you should be able to explain the difference between 返信 and 回答 (an answer to a specific question). You are no longer just 'sending a message'; you are 'managing correspondence'. You might also use the word in the context of 'automated replies' (自動返信) or 'reply deadlines' (返信期限). This level requires a balance between speed and politeness, and 返信 is the central word for that balance. You are also expected to recognize the kanji reliably and not confuse it with 'transformation' (変身) in written texts.
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At the B2 level, you use 返信 (henshin) with an awareness of subtle nuances and social dynamics. You understand that the timing of a 返信 can convey meaning—for example, a very quick 返信 in a business context shows enthusiasm, while a delayed one might signal a need for careful consideration (or a lack of interest). You can use the word in complex sentences involving causative or passive forms, such as '上司に返信させられました' (I was made to reply by my boss). You are also familiar with digital slang and abbreviations related to the word, such as 'moku-hen' (ignoring a message after reading it). You can navigate formal business emails where 返信 is part of a larger polite structure, such as 'ご多忙の折、恐縮ですが、ご返信をいただけますと幸いです' (I am sorry to bother you while you are busy, but I would appreciate a reply). You also understand the legal or official weight a 返信 can have in contracts or formal inquiries. At this level, you are expected to handle 'Reply-all' situations and understand when it is appropriate to 返信 to the group versus an individual. Your vocabulary around 返信 expands to include terms like '引用返信' (quoted reply) and '一斉返信' (mass reply). You are a sophisticated user of the word who understands its role in maintaining 'Wa' (harmony) in both digital and physical communication.
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At the C1 level, 返信 (henshin) is a tool for high-level communication strategy. You understand the deep cultural expectations surrounding written responses in Japan, including the '24-hour rule' in business. You can discuss the ethics of communication, such as the 'right to disconnect' and how it relates to 返信 expectations. You are capable of writing highly formal letters where 返信 might be replaced by even more formal terms like 'ご回答' or 'ご返事' depending on the specific nuance of the interaction. You can analyze the tone of a 返信 to detect underlying emotions or hidden meanings, such as 'tatemae' (public face) in a polite but firm refusal. You are also familiar with the historical evolution of the word and how it has shifted from physical letters to instant messaging. In a professional setting, you can lead discussions on improving 'communication efficiency', using 返信 as a metric for team performance. You are also comfortable with the literary use of the word in modern prose, where a character's lack of 返信 might be used as a plot point to signify a broken relationship. Your mastery of the word includes knowing when not to use it—choosing instead for more specific terms like '承諾' (consent) or '拒絶' (rejection) when the 'reply' carries significant weight. You are a master of the 'unwritten rules' of Japanese correspondence.
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At the C2 level, your understanding of 返信 (henshin) is near-native, encompassing its linguistic, social, and psychological dimensions. You can engage in academic or philosophical debates about how the speed of 返信 in the digital age has altered human relationships and the Japanese concept of 'Ma' (space/timing). You are intimately familiar with the most obscure honorific patterns involving 返信, such as those used in communication with the Imperial family or in extremely high-stakes diplomatic correspondence. You can critique the translation of 返信 in various contexts, noting where 'reply', 'response', or 'rejoinder' might be more appropriate in English to capture the specific Japanese nuance. You understand the word's role in 'Keigo' (honorific speech) at an instinctive level, effortlessly switching between levels of politeness depending on the medium and the recipient. You might even explore the word in the context of AI and machine learning—discussing 'automated reply generation' and the linguistic markers that distinguish a human 返信 from an AI one. For you, 返信 is not just a word; it is a symbol of the complex, multi-layered nature of Japanese social interaction. You can use it to navigate any situation, from a casual text to a high-level corporate crisis, with perfect linguistic precision and cultural grace. You are also aware of the word's appearance in classical-style modern poetry or experimental literature, where it might be used to evoke themes of distance and connection.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

返信 en 30 secondes

  • Henshin means a written reply (email, LINE, letter).
  • It is a noun but becomes a verb by adding 'suru'.
  • Use 'Go-henshin' to be polite when referring to others.
  • Do not use it for spoken replies; use 'Henji' instead.

The word 返信 (henshin) is a cornerstone of modern Japanese communication, specifically referring to the act of replying to a written message. While English often uses 'reply' or 'response' interchangeably for both spoken and written interactions, Japanese makes a distinct categorical split. 返信 is strictly reserved for the digital and physical paper trail: emails, text messages (LINE, SMS), and traditional letters. It combines the kanji 返 (to return) and 信 (message/trust/signal), literally meaning 'to return a message'.

Core Concept
The reciprocal act of sending information back to a sender via a medium that involves text.
Medium Specificity
Applies to Email, LINE, DM, Letters, and Faxes.
Grammatical Role
Functions as a noun or a suru-verb (返信する).

"メールの返信を待っています。" (I am waiting for a reply to the email.)

Understanding the nuance of 返信 requires comparing it to its sibling, 返事 (henji). While henji can be used for any reply (including answering a call or shouting 'Yes!' across a room), 返信 is more technical and specific to the medium. In a professional context, you will almost exclusively use 返信 when discussing correspondence logs or the status of an inquiry. It implies a certain level of documentation. For example, when a boss asks if you've 'replied' to a client, using 返信 confirms you have sent the actual text, whereas henji might just mean you've acknowledged them.

"返信が遅れて申し訳ありません。" (I apologize for the late reply.)

Furthermore, 返信 carries a connotation of 'closing the loop'. When you receive a 返信, the transaction of information is considered moving toward completion. In the age of social media, 返信 is also the standard term for 'replies' or 'threads' on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram. It is the digital echo of a conversation. If you are looking for a job in Japan, mastering the etiquette of 返信 (speed, tone, and clarity) is often cited as the most important soft skill for entry-level employees.

Etymology
The character 信 also appears in 'shinjiru' (to believe), suggesting that a reply is a way of maintaining trust.
Visual Cue
Think of a boomerang (返) carrying a letter (信).

"LINEの返信が早いです。" (His/Her LINE replies are fast.)

Using 返信 (henshin) correctly involves understanding its flexibility as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it often takes the particle を (wo) or が (ga). For example, '返信をもらう' (to receive a reply) or '返信が来る' (a reply comes). When you want to express the action of replying, you simply add する (suru) to make 返信語 (henshin-suru). This is the most common way to describe the act of typing out an email and hitting send.

"すぐに返信してください。" (Please reply immediately.)

In formal settings, particularly business, 返信 is often prefixed with the honorific ご (go) to become ご返信 (go-henshin). This is used when referring to a reply from a superior, a client, or someone you wish to show respect to. For instance, 'ご返信ありがとうございます' (Thank you for your reply) is a standard opening for almost every business email in Japan. It is crucial to note that you generally do not use go- when referring to your own reply, as that would be seen as self-aggrandizing.

The word is also used in compound nouns. 返信用封筒 (henshinyou fuutou) refers to a self-addressed stamped envelope, often included in official documents. 返信ハガキ (henshin hagaki) is a reply postcard, commonly used for wedding invitations or event RSVPs. In the digital realm, 返信ボタン (henshin botan) is the 'reply button' you see in apps. Understanding these compounds helps you navigate daily life in Japan, from paying bills to attending social gatherings.

Verb Form
返信する (Henshin suru) - To reply.
Honorific Form
ご返信 (Go-henshin) - Your (honorable) reply.
Common Particle
〜に (to) - Indicates the recipient.

"昨日、彼に返信しました。" (I replied to him yesterday.)

One common nuance to master is the 'speed' of the reply. Japanese culture places a high value on soku-hen (immediate reply). If you are slow, you might say '返信が遅くなりました' (My reply is late). This phrase is a social lubricant that smooths over potential friction caused by communication delays. Whether you are a student replying to a professor or a gamer replying to a teammate, 返信 is the word that bridges the gap between the message sent and the message received.

You will encounter 返信 (henshin) in almost every corner of modern Japanese life, but its primary 'habitat' is the digital screen. If you change your smartphone's language settings to Japanese, the 'Reply' button in your email app, LINE, and Twitter will immediately change to 返信. This makes it one of the first words learners see in a functional, real-world context. In office environments, the word is constant. You'll hear coworkers asking, 'あの件、返信来た？' (Did the reply regarding that matter come yet?).

"返信不要です。" (No reply necessary.)

In the context of customer service, you will see it in automated messages. 'このメールは送信専用です。返信はできません。' (This email is for sending only. You cannot reply.) is a standard footer for newsletters and receipts. In school settings, teachers might use it when discussing homework submissions or club activities conducted via messaging apps. It is a word that signifies the transition of Japanese society into a highly connected, text-based culture.

Another interesting place you'll hear it is in the world of 'Oshikatsu' (fandom). Fans often talk about getting a 返信 from their favorite idol or creator on social media. This is often referred to as a 'res' (short for response) or 返信. Getting a 返信 from a celebrity is a major event for a fan. Conversely, in the dating world, the term 'moku-hen' (reading and not replying, similar to 'leaving someone on read') is a common complaint, where the lack of 返信 is the source of much anxiety.

Business
Email threads, client inquiries, project updates.
Social Media
Comments, DMs, thread replies.
Daily Life
RSVPs, school notices, family LINE groups.

"自動返信を設定しています。" (I have set up an auto-reply.)

Finally, in traditional settings like weddings or formal parties, the 返信ハガキ (reply postcard) is a physical object you will handle. You are expected to follow specific etiquette, such as crossing out the 'honorific' parts of your own name and address before sending it back. This shows that while the medium might be old-fashioned, the concept of 返信 remains deeply tied to Japanese social harmony and politeness.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 返信 (henshin) is using it for spoken communication. If someone asks you a question in person and you answer them, that is not a 返信. That is a 返事 (henji) or a 回答 (kaitou). 返信 requires a 'shin' (message/signal), which in modern terms means text or data. If you tell a friend, 'Wait, let me give you a henshin,' while talking face-to-face, it will sound very strange—almost as if you are about to transform like a superhero (another meaning of 'henshin' with different kanji).

"❌ 先生の質問に返信しました。 (Spoken in class)"
"✅ 先生の質問に返事しました。"

Another common error is the misuse of the honorific go-. As mentioned before, you should not say '私の御返信' (My honorable reply). This is a 'humility' error. You use go-henshin for others and plain henshin for yourself. Additionally, learners often confuse 返信 with 返信 (transformation). While they sound identical (henshin), the kanji are different (返信 vs 変身). Context usually clarifies this, but in writing, using the wrong kanji will make you look like you're talking about Power Rangers instead of an email.

There is also the 'Reply vs. Answer' confusion. 返信 is the act of sending the message back. If the message contains an answer to a specific question, you might use 回答 (kaitou). If you are just acknowledging receipt, 返信 is better. Using 返信 when you actually mean 'I will give you an answer/decision later' can be slightly vague. In that case, 'お返事します' (I will give you an answer) is often more appropriate as it covers the decision-making process, not just the act of hitting 'send'.

Mistake 1
Using it for verbal replies.
Mistake 2
Using 'Go-' for your own actions.
Mistake 3
Confusing the kanji with 'Transformation'.

"❌ 早く変身してください。 (Please transform quickly!)"
"✅ 早く返信してください。 (Please reply quickly.)"

Lastly, pay attention to the particle. Learners sometimes use を (wo) when に (ni) is required. 'メールを返信する' (to reply [to] an email) is correct, but '友達を返信する' is wrong; it should be '友達に返信する' (to reply TO a friend). If you say '友達を返信する', it sounds like you are somehow sending your friend back to where they came from!

To truly master 返信 (henshin), you must understand its place among several similar terms. The most important is 返事 (henji). Henji is the 'umbrella term' for all replies. It can be a verbal 'Yes', a nod, or a written letter. While you can use henji for an email, you cannot use 返信 for a verbal shout. Henji feels more personal and general, while 返信 feels more functional and medium-specific.

"返事：General reply (Spoken/Written)"
"返信：Written reply (Email/Text)"

Next is 回答 (kaitou). This specifically means 'an answer' to a question, survey, or inquiry. If a customer asks, 'Is this product in stock?', your reply is a 返信, but the specific information about the stock is the 回答. In business, you might say, 'ご質問への回答を返信しました' (I have replied with the answer to your question). There is also 応答 (outou), which means 'response' or 'reaction,' often used in technical contexts like 'server response' or 'emergency response'.

For formal correspondence, you might see 返信 (henshin) replaced by 返書 (hensho) in very old-fashioned or literary contexts, though this is rare today. In the world of social media, リプライ (ripurai) or simply リプ (ripu) is frequently used as a loanword from English 'reply'. While 返信 is the 'proper' Japanese word, younger generations will almost always say 'リプを送る' (send a reply) when talking about platforms like X or TikTok.

返事 (Henji)
The most versatile; covers spoken and written.
回答 (Kaitou)
Focuses on the 'answer' or 'solution' provided.
リプ (Ripu)
Casual, specifically for social media comments.

"アンケートに回答する。" (To answer a survey.)

Finally, there is 折り返し (orikaeshi). This is a very useful business term meaning 'by return' or 'immediately back'. It's often used in the phrase '折り返しお電話します' (I will call you back immediately). While not a synonym for 返信, it shares the concept of 'returning' communication. Knowing when to use 返信 (for the text you sent) versus 回答 (for the answer you gave) marks the transition from a beginner to an intermediate Japanese speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Suru-verbs (Noun + suru)

Honorific prefixes (Go/O)

Giving and Receiving (Morau/Itadaku)

Reasoning (Node/Kara)

Requests (Te-kudasai)

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Exemples par niveau

1

メールの返信をください。

Please give me a reply to the email.

Uses the 'noun + をください' pattern for a simple request.

2

返信は明日します。

I will reply tomorrow.

The 'suru' verb is used in the future/present tense.

3

田中さんから返信が来ました。

A reply came from Mr. Tanaka.

Uses 'ga kuru' to indicate a reply has arrived.

4

すぐに返信してください。

Please reply immediately.

Uses the polite request form '~te kudasai'.

5

返信が遅れてすみません。

Sorry for the late reply.

A common set phrase for apologizing for a delay.

6

LINEで返信します。

I will reply via LINE.

The particle 'de' indicates the means or medium.

7

これは返信ですか？

Is this a reply?

Simple 'desu ka' question form.

8

返信を読みます。

I will read the reply.

Direct object 'wo' used with the verb 'yomu'.

1

忙しくて返信ができませんでした。

I was busy and couldn't reply.

Uses the potential negative form 'dekimasen deshita'.

2

返信を待っているところです。

I am currently waiting for a reply.

Uses '~te iru tokoro' to show an ongoing state.

3

短い返信でもいいですよ。

A short reply is fine, you know.

Uses '~demo ii' to express permission or acceptability.

4

返信を忘れないでください。

Please don't forget to reply.

Uses the negative request form '~nai de kudasai'.

5

昨日、先生に返信しました。

I replied to the teacher yesterday.

The particle 'ni' marks the person receiving the reply.

6

返信が早くて助かります。

It helps that your reply is fast.

Uses the '~te' form to give a reason for 'tasukarimasu'.

7

このメールに返信してください。

Please reply to this email.

The particle 'ni' marks the object being replied to.

8

返信がないので心配です。

I'm worried because there's no reply.

Uses 'node' to indicate a reason.

1

ご返信ありがとうございます。

Thank you for your reply.

Uses the honorific 'go-' for the other person's reply.

2

返信を差し上げるのが遅くなりました。

I am late in giving you a reply.

Uses 'sashiageru', a humble way to say 'give'.

3

返信用の封筒を同封します。

I will enclose a reply envelope.

Compound noun 'henshinyou no fuutou'.

4

内容を確認してから返信します。

I will reply after confirming the content.

Uses '~te kara' to show sequence of actions.

5

自動返信メールが届きました。

An auto-reply email arrived.

Compound noun 'jidou henshin'.

6

返信の期限は金曜日までです。

The deadline for the reply is Friday.

Uses 'kigen' to mean deadline.

7

彼からの返信はまだありません。

There is still no reply from him.

Uses 'mada ~ nai' for 'not yet'.

8

丁寧なご返信をいただき、感謝しております。

I am grateful to have received your polite reply.

Uses 'itadaki', the humble form of 'receive'.

1

返信を強要するのは良くない。

It's not good to force a reply.

Uses 'kyouyou' (coercion/forcing).

2

引用返信を使って、質問に答えてください。

Please use quoted replies to answer the questions.

Uses 'inyou henshin' (quoted reply).

3

返信が遅れた理由を説明しなければならない。

I must explain the reason why the reply was delayed.

Uses '~nakereba naranai' (must).

4

相手からの返信を待たずに、次の作業に進む。

Proceed to the next task without waiting for a reply from the other party.

Uses '~zu ni' (without doing).

5

ご返信をいただけますと幸いです。

I would be grateful if I could receive a reply.

A standard B2-level formal request.

6

返信の速さが信頼に繋がります。

The speed of your reply leads to trust.

Uses 'tsunagaru' (to lead to/connect).

7

一斉返信で全員に知らせる。

Inform everyone via a mass reply.

Uses 'issei henshin' (mass reply).

8

返信の内容が曖昧で、よく分かりません。

The content of the reply is vague, and I don't understand it well.

Uses 'aimai' (vague/ambiguous).

1

返信の義務はないが、マナーとして送るべきだ。

There is no obligation to reply, but you should send one as a matter of manners.

Uses 'gimu' (obligation) and 'beki' (should).

2

ご返信が滞っており、ご迷惑をおかけしております。

Our replies have been delayed, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Uses 'todokooru' (to be stagnant/delayed) and humble keigo.

3

返信の文面から、相手の焦燥感が伝わってきた。

From the wording of the reply, I could sense the other person's frustration.

Uses 'bunmen' (wording) and 'shousoukan' (frustration/impatience).

4

返信を控えることで、無言の抗議を示す。

By refraining from replying, I show a silent protest.

Uses 'hikaeru' (to refrain) and 'kougi' (protest).

5

返信の有無にかかわらず、会議は開催されます。

Regardless of whether there is a reply or not, the meeting will be held.

Uses 'u-mu ni kakawarazu' (regardless of existence).

6

迅速なご返信を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます。

I would like to express my deep gratitude for your prompt reply.

Uses 'tamawari' and 'atsu-ku orei moushiageru' (highest level keigo).

7

返信のタイミングを計るのも、交渉術の一つだ。

Timing your reply is also a part of negotiation skills.

Uses 'hakaru' (to measure/time) and 'koushou-jutsu' (negotiation skill).

8

その返信は、事実上の承諾を意味している。

That reply signifies de facto consent.

Uses 'jijitsujou' (de facto) and 'shoudaku' (consent).

1

返信という行為が、現代の人間関係を規定している。

The act of replying defines modern human relationships.

Uses 'kitei suru' (to define/prescribe).

2

返信の遅延が、国家間の緊張を招くこともある。

A delay in reply can sometimes lead to international tensions.

Uses 'chien' (delay) and 'maneku' (to invite/cause).

3

彼は返信の中に、巧みに皮肉を紛れ込ませた。

He skillfully tucked irony into his reply.

Uses 'takumi ni' (skillfully) and 'magirekomaseru' (to slip in).

4

返信の形式美に固執するあまり、本質を見失う。

By obsessing too much over the formal beauty of the reply, one loses sight of the essence.

Uses 'keishikibi' (formal beauty) and 'koshitsu' (obsession/persistence).

5

返信を強いる社会構造に、警鐘を鳴らす。

To sound an alarm against a social structure that forces replies.

Uses 'shiiru' (to force) and 'keishou wo narasu' (to sound an alarm).

6

返信の不在こそが、最も雄弁な回答である場合もある。

Sometimes the absence of a reply is the most eloquent answer of all.

Uses 'fuzai' (absence) and 'yuuben' (eloquent).

7

返信のメタデータを解析し、行動パターンを割り出す。

Analyze the metadata of the replies to determine behavioral patterns.

Uses 'kaiseki' (analysis) and 'waridasu' (to calculate/deduce).

8

返信の文体は、書き手の深層心理を如実に反映する。

The style of the reply vividly reflects the writer's deep-seated psychology.

Uses 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly/realistically) and 'shinsou shinri' (deep psychology).

Antonymes

発信 送信

Collocations courantes

返信をもらう (Receive a reply)
返信を送る (Send a reply)
返信が遅れる (Reply is delayed)
返信を待つ (Wait for a reply)
返信を忘れる (Forget to reply)
返信を促す (Prompt a reply)
返信を控える (Refrain from replying)
返信を求める (Request a reply)
返信を確認する (Check a reply)
返信を転送する (Forward a reply)

Phrases Courantes

返信不要です (No reply necessary)
ご返信お待ちしております (Looking forward to your reply)
取り急ぎ、返信まで (A quick reply for now)
返信が遅くなり申し訳ありません (Sorry for the late reply)
後ほど返信します (I will reply later)
返信をいただけますか？ (Could I have a reply?)
自動返信を設定する (Set up auto-reply)
返信ボタンを押す (Press the reply button)
一斉に返信する (Reply to all)
返信が来ない (No reply is coming)

Souvent confondu avec

返信 vs 返事 (Henji) - Henji is broader; Henshin is text-only.

返信 vs 回答 (Kaitou) - Kaitou is for 'answers'; Henshin is for the 'act' of replying.

返信 vs 変身 (Henshin) - Same sound, but means 'transformation'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"二つ返事で (Futatsu henji de) - Readily/With a prompt 'yes' (Note: uses 'henji')"
"返信の矢 (Henshin no ya) - A very fast reply (Metaphorical)"
"梨の礫 (Nashi no tsubute) - No reply at all (Idiom for silence)"
"音沙汰なし (Otosata nashi) - No news/No reply"
"返信を焦らす (Henshin wo jirasu) - To tease by delaying a reply"
"返信に窮する (Henshin ni kyuusu) - To be at a loss for a reply"
"返信の種 (Henshin no tane) - Something to reply to"
"返信を濁す (Henshin wo nigosu) - To give a vague reply"
"返信を噛み締める (Henshin wo kamishimeru) - To reflect deeply on a reply"
"返信が途絶える (Henshin ga todaeru) - Correspondence stops"

Facile à confondre

返信 vs

返信 vs

返信 vs

返信 vs

返信 vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

speed

Replying quickly is a sign of respect in Japan.

written only

Strictly for text-based communication.

kanji caution

Don't confuse with 変身 (transformation).

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'Henshin' for a verbal answer.
  • Saying 'Watashi no go-henshin' (using honorifics for yourself).
  • Confusing the kanji with 'Transformation' (変身).
  • Using the wrong particle (e.g., 'Tomodachi wo henshin').
  • Forgetting to add 'suru' when using it as a verb.

Astuces

The 24-Hour Rule

In Japanese business culture, replying within 24 hours is considered polite. If you need more time, send a quick 'Henshin' saying you received the message and will provide a detailed answer later.

Particle Choice

Always use 'ni' for the person you are replying to (e.g., Tanaka-san ni henshin). Use 'wo' for the message itself (e.g., Meeru wo henshin).

LINE Etiquette

Be careful with 'Kidoku' (Read). If you read a message, try to 'Henshin' soon to avoid making the other person anxious.

Humble Yourself

When talking about your own reply in a formal setting, use 'Henshin itashimasu' instead of 'Henshin shimasu'.

Subject Lines

When replying to an email, don't change the subject line. This helps the recipient track the 'Henshin' thread.

Compound Words

Learn 'Jidou-henshin' (Auto-reply). It's very useful for setting up out-of-office messages.

Acknowledge First

Even if you don't have the answer yet, a quick 'Henshin' acknowledging receipt builds trust.

Visualizing Kanji

The 'Shin' (信) kanji has the 'person' radical on the left. Think of a person standing by their word/message.

Pitch Accent

Henshin is flat (0). Avoid putting stress on any particular syllable to sound more like a native speaker.

Formal Postcards

On a 'Henshin Hagaki', cross out the honorific 'Go' or 'O' directed at you. It's a high-level politeness move.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexte culturel

The prefix 'Go-' is essential when asking a client for a reply.

Using 'Ripu' (Reply) is more common than 'Henshin' among Gen Z.

Always start a reply with 'Thank you for your message'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"返信、遅くなってごめんね！ (Sorry for the late reply!)"

"あのメール、もう返信した？ (Did you reply to that email yet?)"

"返信が来なくて困っているんだ。 (I'm in trouble because no reply is coming.)"

"いつ返信をいただけますか？ (When can I receive a reply?)"

"短い返信で大丈夫ですよ。 (A short reply is fine.)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日は何通の返信を書きましたか？ (How many replies did you write today?)

返信が遅い友達についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about friends who are slow to reply?)

一番嬉しかった返信は何ですか？ (What was the reply that made you the happiest?)

返信を書くときに気をつけていることは？ (What do you pay attention to when writing a reply?)

自動返信機能は便利だと思いますか？ (Do you think auto-reply features are useful?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'Henshin' is specifically for written messages. For a phone call, you would use 'Orikaeshi' (calling back) or 'Henji' (general response).

It is neutral. You can use it with friends (Henshin suru) or in business (Go-henshin). Its formality is determined by the surrounding grammar.

Henshin is only for written messages (Email, LINE). Henji is for everything, including spoken answers and physical gestures.

You should say 'ご返信をお待ちしております' (Go-henshin wo omachi shite orimasu).

It means 'No reply necessary'. You often see this in automated emails or quick notifications.

Yes, 'Henshin' is the standard word for 'reply' on platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook.

In anime, they are usually saying '変身' (Henshin), which means 'transformation' (like a superhero). It sounds the same but has different kanji.

Yes, you can add 'suru' to make it a verb: 返信する (to reply).

It is a self-addressed stamped envelope provided so you can send a reply easily.

A common way is '返信が遅くなってすみません' (Henshin ga osokunatte sumimasen).

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