In 15 Seconds
- Used for providing formal answers in tests.
- Combines 'answer' (noun) with 'to do' (verb).
- Best for academic, official, or survey contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you provide a formal answer to a question or solve a problem, especially on a test or survey. It’s like saying 'I am submitting my solution.'
Key Examples
3 of 6In a classroom during an exam
テストで全ての質問に解答をする。
I will answer all the questions on the test.
A teacher giving instructions
時間内に解答をしてください。
Please provide your answers within the time limit.
Texting a study buddy about homework
この数学の問題、どうやって解答をするの?
How do you solve this math problem?
Cultural Background
The 'Exam Hell' ({受験|じゅけん}{地獄|じごく}) makes {解答|かいとう} a high-stress word for many Japanese people, associated with silence and intense focus. Quiz shows are incredibly popular in Japan. The phrase '{解答|かいとう}をどうぞ!' (Please give your answer!) is a famous catchphrase for hosts. In a Japanese business context, providing a 'kaitou' to a client's problem shows technical competence and reliability. Japanese social media often features 'riddle' accounts where users compete to {解答|かいとう}をする the fastest in the comments.
Use with 'Ni'
While 'o' is grammatically okay, using '{問題|もんだい}に{解答|かいとう}をする' sounds more natural to native ears.
Kanji Alert
Be careful when typing on a keyboard; your IME will show both {解答|かいとう} and {回答|かいとう}. Choose the one with the 'horn' radical for tests!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for providing formal answers in tests.
- Combines 'answer' (noun) with 'to do' (verb).
- Best for academic, official, or survey contexts.
What It Means
解答をする is your go-to phrase for formal situations where an answer is required. It doesn't just mean 'talking back' to someone. It refers to the specific act of providing a solution to a problem or a question. Imagine you are sitting in a quiet classroom with a pencil in hand. You are filling out an answer sheet. That specific action of providing those answers is 解答をする. It’s structured, official, and very precise.
How To Use It
This is a standard 'suru-verb' combination. You take the noun 解答 (answer/solution) and pair it with the verb する (to do). In a sentence, you usually use the particle を to connect them. For example, 解答をする (to do an answer). If you want to be polite, you say 解答をします. If you already finished, you say 解答をしました. It’s a very reliable pattern that is easy to conjugate once you know the basics of する!
When To Use It
This phrase shines in academic settings. Use it for math problems, science tests, or history exams. It’s also perfect for formal surveys or official questionnaires. If you are at a job interview and they give you a written logic test, this is the word you’ll hear. You might also use it when discussing the 'official' solution to a riddle or a logic puzzle. It feels professional and serious.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for casual conversation. If your friend asks 'What do you want for dinner?', don't say 解答をする. That would sound like you're treating dinner like a calculus exam! Just use the simpler word 答える (to answer). Also, don't use it for 'solving' a life problem or a conflict between friends. For those 'solutions,' Japanese uses 解決する. 解答 is specifically for 'answers' to 'questions.'
Cultural Background
Japan is famous for its 'Examination Hell' culture. Students spend years preparing for entrance exams. Because of this, words related to testing are deeply ingrained. 解答 isn't just a word; it's a symbol of hard work. There is a lot of pressure to provide the 'correct' 解答. You'll even see 'Answer Keys' sold as best-selling books in Japanese bookstores. It’s a high-stakes word!
Common Variations
You will often see 解答用紙 (answer sheet) or 模範解答 (model answer). If you are checking your work, you are looking at the 解答例 (example answer). These variations show just how much the Japanese language categorizes the act of answering. It’s all about being organized and correct.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a formal collocation. It is best used in academic, professional, or official settings. Using it in casual conversation can make you sound overly stiff or academic.
Use with 'Ni'
While 'o' is grammatically okay, using '{問題|もんだい}に{解答|かいとう}をする' sounds more natural to native ears.
Kanji Alert
Be careful when typing on a keyboard; your IME will show both {解答|かいとう} and {回答|かいとう}. Choose the one with the 'horn' radical for tests!
Silence is Golden
In Japan, the act of {解答|かいとう}をする in a classroom is usually done in total silence. Don't talk while others are solving!
Examples
6テストで全ての質問に解答をする。
I will answer all the questions on the test.
A standard way to describe taking a test.
時間内に解答をしてください。
Please provide your answers within the time limit.
Uses the polite request form.
この数学の問題、どうやって解答をするの?
How do you solve this math problem?
Using the phrase in a casual but academic context.
アンケートに解答をする。
To answer a survey.
Commonly used for questionnaires.
正解の解答をしてください!
Please give the correct answer!
High energy but still using the formal term for 'answer'.
難しすぎて、解答をすることができない。
It's too hard; I can't even provide an answer.
Expresses inability to solve something.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct situation to use {解答|かいとう}をする?
Choose the best context:
{解答|かいとう}をする is specifically for academic or formal problem-solving.
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
{テスト|てすと}の{問題|もんだい}____{解答|かいとう}を____。
The particle 'ni' marks the target of the answer, and 'shimasu' is the polite verb form.
Match the verb to the action.
1. {電話|でんわ} 2. {数学|すうがく} 3. {友達|ともだち}の{質問|しつもん}
Phones use 'deru', math uses 'kaitou suru', and friends' questions use 'kotaeru'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {制限|せいげん}{時間|じかん}ですよ。{解答|かいとう}を____ください。 B: はい、わかりました。
The teacher is asking the student to provide/finish their answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kaitou vs. Kotaeru
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the best context:
{解答|かいとう}をする is specifically for academic or formal problem-solving.
{テスト|てすと}の{問題|もんだい}____{解答|かいとう}を____。
The particle 'ni' marks the target of the answer, and 'shimasu' is the polite verb form.
1. {電話|でんわ} 2. {数学|すうがく} 3. {友達|ともだち}の{質問|しつもん}
Phones use 'deru', math uses 'kaitou suru', and friends' questions use 'kotaeru'.
A: {制限|せいげん}{時間|じかん}ですよ。{解答|かいとう}を____ください。 B: はい、わかりました。
The teacher is asking the student to provide/finish their answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! It's perfect for riddles ({なぞなぞ}) because they have a specific correct answer.
Yes, in formal writing or compound words, the 'o' is often dropped.
'Toku' is the action of solving; 'Kaitou suru' is the act of providing the answer.
Yes, that is a very natural use of the phrase.
Only if you are solving a technical problem or a logic-based case study.
You would say '{解答|かいとう}を{間違|まちが}えました' (I made a mistake in the answer).
No, for medical treatments, use '{治療|ちりょう}' or '{解決|かいけつ}'.
Yes, a detective provides a {解答|かいとう} to the mystery.
No, sports don't have 'answers' in this sense.
It is called '{解答|かいとう}{集|しゅう}' or '{解答|かいとう}{例|れい}'.
Related Phrases
{解|と}く
similarTo solve
{答|こた}える
similarTo answer
{回答|かいとう}をする
similarTo respond (to a survey)
{正解|せいかい}する
specialized formTo get the right answer
{解説|かいせつ}する
builds onTo explain the solution