In 15 Seconds
- Used for formal, official, or structured responses.
- Common in business emails, surveys, and professional meetings.
- More serious and 'heavy' than the casual word 'kotaeru'.
Meaning
To provide a formal or official response to a question, survey, or request. It is the 'professional' way to say you are giving an answer.
Key Examples
3 of 6Filling out an office survey
アンケートに回答をする。
I will answer the survey.
Promising a client an answer
明日までに回答をします。
I will provide an answer by tomorrow.
Texting a coworker about a task
その件について回答をした？
Did you provide an answer regarding that matter?
Cultural Background
In Japanese companies, a 'kaidou' is often not just one person's opinion but a consensus-based response (Ringi). This is why it might take time. Japanese government offices are known for providing very literal and precise 'kaidou' to avoid legal loopholes. On Japanese social media, 'kaidou' is rarely used unless someone is being intentionally stiff or 'official' (like a brand account). While students 'kotaeru' in class, they are taught to 'kaidou' when filling out official university entrance surveys.
Use with 'Itashimasu'
In business, always use '{回答|かいとう}いたします' to sound like a pro.
Kanji Caution
Don't mix up {回答|かいとう} and {解答|かいとう} in writing; it's a very common mistake for learners.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for formal, official, or structured responses.
- Common in business emails, surveys, and professional meetings.
- More serious and 'heavy' than the casual word 'kotaeru'.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a fancy office. Someone hands you a clipboard. They want your official opinion. This isn't just chatting. This is 回答をする. It means to provide an answer. It feels official. It feels structured. You are not just talking. You are delivering information. Think of it as submitting your thoughts. It is the difference between saying 'Yeah' and 'I am responding to your inquiry.'
How To Use It
It is a simple pair. You take the noun 回答. Then you add the verb をする. Together, they become a functional verb. You usually use it with the particle に. For example, アンケートに回答をする. This means 'to answer a survey.' You can also use it in the polite form. That would be 回答をします. If you want to be extra polite, add ご. Say ご回答をお願いします. This means 'Please provide your answer.' It is very common in emails.
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings. Use it when filling out forms. It is perfect for customer service. If a company asks for feedback, use this. If your boss asks for a report, use this. It shows you are serious. It shows you are professional. It is great for school settings too. When a teacher asks for a formal response, this is your go-to phrase. It makes you sound like you know the rules. It is the language of adults.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friend. If they ask 'Want pizza?', do not say 回答をする. You will sound like a robot. They might laugh at you. It is too stiff for casual talk. Avoid it at parties. Avoid it during a date. In those cases, use 答える. That is the softer, more natural word for 'to answer.' 回答をする is for the office, not the izakaya. Keep it for the serious stuff.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture values clear communication in business. Providing a proper 回答 is a sign of respect. It shows you took the time to think. It shows you value the other person's question. In Japan, surveys and feedback forms are taken very seriously. Companies use them to improve everything. When you 回答, you are participating in this cycle of improvement. It is part of the 'Kaizen' spirit. Even a small answer matters.
Common Variations
You might see 回答を求める. This means 'to seek an answer.' It sounds a bit demanding. Another one is 回答を控える. This means 'to refrain from answering.' Politicians use this a lot! You can also say 即答する. This means 'to answer immediately.' It is a faster version of the phrase. If you are waiting for someone, say 回答を待つ. This means 'waiting for a response.' Each variation changes the vibe slightly. But they all center on that official feeling.
Usage Notes
This is a formal collocation. In professional writing, the 'o' is often dropped to become 'kaitō-suru'. Always use 'go-kaitō' when referring to someone else's answer to show proper respect.
Use with 'Itashimasu'
In business, always use '{回答|かいとう}いたします' to sound like a pro.
Kanji Caution
Don't mix up {回答|かいとう} and {解答|かいとう} in writing; it's a very common mistake for learners.
Examples
6アンケートに回答をする。
I will answer the survey.
Standard use for a written or digital form.
明日までに回答をします。
I will provide an answer by tomorrow.
Shows commitment and professionalism in a business context.
その件について回答をした？
Did you provide an answer regarding that matter?
Slightly informal due to the question mark, but still uses professional vocabulary.
今は回答を控えます。
I will refrain from answering right now.
A classic formal way to dodge a question.
私の回答を待ってください。
Please wait for my official response.
Using formal language in a casual relationship creates a humorous, mock-serious effect.
誠実に回答をしました。
I answered sincerely.
Adds an emotional layer to a formal action.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate phrase for a business email.
{質問|しつもん}に（ ）。
This is the standard polite and formal way to say 'I will answer' in a professional context.
Fill in the missing particle.
{アンケート|あんけーと}（ ）{回答|かいとう}をしてください。
The target of the answer (the survey) takes the particle 'ni'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a conversation with your best friend?
'Kaidou' is too formal for friends; 'Kotaeru' is the natural choice.
Complete the support agent's line.
Customer: '{明日|あした}までに{連絡|れんらく}をください。' Agent: 'はい、（ ）。'
The agent is promising to provide the answer requested by the customer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kaidou vs. Kotaeru
Practice Bank
4 exercises{質問|しつもん}に（ ）。
This is the standard polite and formal way to say 'I will answer' in a professional context.
{アンケート|あんけーと}（ ）{回答|かいとう}をしてください。
The target of the answer (the survey) takes the particle 'ni'.
Which phrase fits a conversation with your best friend?
'Kaidou' is too formal for friends; 'Kotaeru' is the natural choice.
Customer: '{明日|あした}までに{連絡|れんらく}をください。' Agent: 'はい、（ ）。'
The agent is promising to provide the answer requested by the customer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, use {解答|かいとう} (same pronunciation, different kanji) for tests.
Yes, it is polite and appropriate for a student-teacher relationship.
{回答|かいとう} is more for official data/statements, while {返答|へんとう} is a general reply.
You can say {回答|かいとう}する (dropping 'o'), which is more common in technical writing.
Yes, usually by characters who are detectives, villains, or high-ranking officials.
ご{回答|かいとう}をお{待|ま}ちしております (very formal).
Yes, if the call is a formal inquiry.
It's {質問|しつもん}『に』{回答|かいとう}『を』する.
It is introduced at A1 but mastered at B1/B2 levels.
Often yes, but it can also be a formal verbal statement.
Related Phrases
{答|こた}える
similarTo answer (general)
{返答|へんとう}を{する|する}
synonymTo reply
{解答|かいとう}を{する|する}
specialized formTo solve/answer a test
{返信|へんしん}を{する|する}
similarTo reply to a message
