応じる
You can応じる when you agree to do something someone asks or when you react to a situation.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 応じる (ōjiru). It means 'to say yes' or 'to do what someone asks.' Imagine your friend asks you to play. If you say 'Okay!' and play, you 応じる to their request!
Also, if your mom asks you to clean your room, and you do it, you 応じる. It's like agreeing to do something. It’s a way to show you heard someone and you will do it. It’s a polite way to agree.
応じる (ōjiru) is a verb that means to respond, comply, or accept. You use it when someone asks you to do something, and you agree. For example, if someone invites you to a party, and you say 'Yes, I will come,' you 応じる to their invitation.
It can also mean reacting to a situation. If there's a change in plans, and you accept it, you 応じる to the change. It’s a useful word for showing you are willing to do something or go along with something.
The Japanese verb 応じる (ōjiru) is very useful for expressing compliance and acceptance. It means to respond to a request, agree to an offer, or adapt to a situation. For instance, if a colleague asks for your help on a project, and you agree, you are 応じる to their request.
You can also use it when accepting invitations or responding to demands. For example, 「お誘いにお応じします」(Osasoi ni ōjishimasu) means 'I will accept your invitation.' It’s a polite and common way to show you are willing to do what is asked or expected.
応じる (ōjiru) is a versatile verb signifying a positive response, compliance, or acceptance. It's frequently used when fulfilling a request (依頼 - irai), accepting an offer, or meeting specific conditions (条件 - jōken). For example, a business might 応じる a customer's complaint or a government might 応じる public opinion.
It implies not just passive agreement but often an active reaction or fulfillment. You might 応じる a demand (要求 - yōkyū) or live up to expectations (期待 - kitai). Understanding the context is key, as it can range from agreeing to a social invitation to complying with a formal requirement.
In advanced Japanese, 応じる (ōjiru) carries significant weight, denoting a considered response, compliance, or adaptation. It moves beyond simple agreement to suggest a willingness to meet obligations, fulfill conditions, or react appropriately to external stimuli. For instance, a company might 応じる regulatory changes, or a negotiator might 応じる specific terms.
The verb often implies a degree of formality or seriousness. It can be used to express fulfilling a role, such as a leader 応じる the needs of their team, or an artist 応じる the artistic trends of the time. Its usage highlights a nuanced understanding of social and professional interactions.
Mastery of 応じる (ōjiru) involves appreciating its subtle connotations and diverse applications across various registers. Etymologically rooted in the concept of 'responding,' it encompasses a spectrum from polite acquiescence to strategic compliance. Consider its use in legal or diplomatic contexts, where 応じる a treaty provision or a diplomatic overture signifies formal acceptance and commitment.
Furthermore, 応じる can describe a sophisticated reaction to complex stimuli, such as a scientific experiment 応じる a specific variable, or a cultural movement 応じる societal shifts. Its application often reflects a deep understanding of context, power dynamics, and the precise nature of the interaction being described, distinguishing it from simpler verbs of agreement.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 応じる (ōjiru) is a versatile verb meaning to respond, comply, or accept.
- It's often used when agreeing to requests, invitations, or demands.
- Key phrases include 依頼に応じる (comply with request) and 期待に応じる (live up to expectations).
- While conjugation is simple, choosing the right context for natural usage is important.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 応じる (ōjiru). Think of it as your go-to word when you need to express agreement, compliance, or a reaction. It's like saying 'yes,' 'I'll do it,' or 'I'll react' in a bunch of different situations. Whether you're accepting an invitation, responding to a request, or even reacting to a stimulus, 応じる has got your back!
It's a really versatile word, so understanding its nuances will make your Japanese sound much more natural. We often use it when someone makes a request, and we decide to go along with it. It implies a positive action or acknowledgment in response to something external. So, next time someone asks you to do something or something happens, remember 応じる!
The word 応じる (ōjiru) comes from the kanji 応 (ō), which means 'to respond,' 'to answer,' or 'to apply to.' The second part, じる (jiru), is a verb suffix. Together, they form a verb that beautifully captures the idea of responding or reacting to something.
The kanji 応 itself has a long history, originating from ancient Chinese characters. It depicts a mouth (口) receiving something, symbolizing a response or an answer. Over centuries, its meaning evolved to encompass a broader sense of reacting, complying, and fulfilling needs or requests.
Historically, 応じる has been used in various contexts, from official documents to everyday conversations, reflecting its fundamental role in expressing interaction and reaction. It's a core verb that has maintained its relevance through the ages, showing how important the concept of responding is in communication.
You'll find 応じる used in a wide array of situations! It's super common when someone makes a request (依頼 - irai), and you decide to 応じる. For example, 「ご依頼に応じます」(go irai ni ōjimasu) means 'I will comply with your request.' It's also used when you accept an invitation (招待 - shōtai), like 「パーティーにお応じします」(pātī ni ōjimasu) - 'I will attend the party.'
Beyond direct requests, 応じる can mean reacting to something more abstract. You might 応じる changes (変更 - henkō), like 「計画の変更に応じる」(keikaku no henkō ni ōjiru) - 'to accept the change in plans.' It can also be used for reacting to stimuli, such as a demand (要求 - yōkyū) or even a call (呼びかけ - yobikake). The key is that you are actively responding or complying.
In terms of formality, 応じる is generally neutral to slightly formal. You wouldn't typically use it in very casual slang situations, but it fits perfectly in business settings, polite conversations, and written communication. For more casual agreement, you might use words like いい (ii) or はい (hai), but 応じる adds a layer of politeness and acknowledgment.
While 応じる itself is a straightforward verb, it appears in several useful phrases and expressions that add color to your Japanese!
- 要求に応じる (yōkyū ni ōjiru): This means 'to meet a demand' or 'to comply with a request.' It's often used in situations where someone has a strong need or desire that is being fulfilled. For example, 「会社は従業員の要求に応じた。」(Kaisha wa jūgyōin no yōkyū ni ōjita.) - 'The company met the employees' demands.
- 期待に応じる (kitai ni ōjiru): This translates to 'to live up to expectations.' It's used when you perform well or succeed in a way that others hoped for. For instance, 「彼はファンの期待に応じた。」(Kare wa fan no kitai ni ōjita.) - 'He lived up to his fans' expectations.
- 呼びかけに応じる (yobikake ni ōjiru): This means 'to respond to a call' or 'to answer an appeal.' It's used when people rally together or react to a public announcement or plea. Example: 「多くの人が募金活動に応じた。」(Ōku no hito ga bokin katsudō ni ōjita.) - 'Many people responded to the fundraising drive.
- 状況に応じる (jōkyō ni ōjiru): This means 'to adapt to the situation' or 'to act according to circumstances.' It emphasizes flexibility and responsiveness to changing conditions. A good example is: 「状況に応じて対応を変えましょう。」(Jōkyō ni ōjite taiō o kaemashō.) - 'Let's change our response according to the situation.
- 条件に応じる (jōken ni ōjiru): This means 'to agree to the terms' or 'to accept the conditions.' It's used when negotiating or making a deal. For example, 「彼は提示された条件に応じた。」(Kare wa teiji sareta jōken ni ōjita.) - 'He agreed to the terms presented.
応じる (ōjiru) is a Group 2 verb (ichidan verb) in Japanese, which makes its conjugation quite regular and straightforward! To form the past tense, you simply drop the final る (ru) and add た (ta), making it 応じた (ōjita). For the negative form, you drop る (ru) and add ない (nai), resulting in 応じない (ōjinai).
The polite form is made by dropping る (ru) and adding ます (masu), giving you 応じます (ōjimasu). The past polite form is 応じました (ōjimashita), and the negative polite form is 応じません (ōjimasen).
Pronunciation: The word is pronounced 'ō-ji-ru'. The 'ō' sound is a long 'o', similar to the 'o' in 'go' but held slightly longer. The 'ji' sounds like the 'gee' in 'geese', and 'ru' is a light, tapped 'r' sound, almost like a quick 'd' or 'l'.
IPA (approximate):
- British English: /ɔːˈdʒɪ.ɹu/
- American English: /ɔːˈdʒɪ.ɹu/
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes are rare due to the specific sounds, words ending in -jiru or similar vowel sounds might be considered near rhymes in certain contexts, though this is not a common way to categorize Japanese verbs.
Fun Fact
The kanji 応 (ō) itself visually represents a mouth (口) receiving something, symbolizing a response or answer. It's a character that has been used for centuries to convey the idea of interaction.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a long 'o' sound like in 'orb', followed by 'jee' as in 'jeep', and ends with a tapped 'r' sound similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English.
Similar to UK pronunciation, with a long 'o' sound, the 'jee' sound, and a tapped 'r'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ō' as a short 'o'.
- Making the 'ji' sound too harsh, like 'gi'.
- Not tapping the 'r' sound at the end, making it too strong.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding context and collocations.
Conjugation is easy, but choosing the right context is key.
Pronunciation is manageable, but natural usage needs practice.
Recognizing it in speech depends on context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Ichidan)
応じる -> 応じない (negative), 応じた (past)
Potential Form
応じる -> 応じられる (can respond)
Using Particles with Verbs
Noun + に応じる (responding *to* something)
Examples by Level
はい、遊びます。
Yes, play.
はい (hai) = yes
お母さんの言うこと、応じる。
Mom's saying, respond.
言うこと (iu koto) = what someone says
「宿題する？」 「うん、応じる！」
'Homework do?' 'Yeah, respond!'
うん (un) = yeah (casual yes)
ドアが開いた。音に、応じる。
Door opened. Sound, respond.
音 (oto) = sound
「行こう？」 「応じる！」
'Go?' 'Respond!'
行こう (ikō) = let's go
雨が降る。傘を、応じる。
Rain falls. Umbrella, respond.
傘 (kasa) = umbrella
友達の誘い、応じる。
Friend's invitation, respond.
誘い (sasoi) = invitation
「これ、好き？」 「うん、応じる。」
'This, like?' 'Yeah, respond.'
好き (suki) = like
彼の頼みごとにはいつも応じます。
His request-thing, always respond.
頼みごと (tanomigoto) = request
急な変更にも応じられるように準備してください。
Sudden change, also respond, able to, prepare please.
変更 (henkō) = change
お客様のご要望には、できる限り応じます。
Customer's needs, as much as possible, respond.
要望 (yōkyū) = request/demand
その提案には、多くの人が応じた。
That proposal, many people, responded.
提案 (teian) = proposal
彼の健康状態の変化に応じ、食事を調整した。
His health condition's change, respond, meal adjusted.
健康状態 (kenkō jōtai) = health condition
パーティーへの招待には喜んで応じました。
Party to invitation, gladly responded.
招待 (shōtai) = invitation
この状況では、柔軟に応じる必要がある。
This situation, flexible, respond, need.
柔軟 (jūnan) = flexible
彼の訴えに応じ、調査が開始された。
His appeal, respond, investigation started.
訴え (uttae) = appeal
ご依頼の件につきましては、全面的に応じさせていただきます。
Your request's matter regarding, fully, will respond.
全面的に (zentai teki ni) = fully, completely
状況の変化に機敏に応じる能力が求められる。
Situation's change, keenly respond, ability, is required.
機敏に (kibin ni) = keenly, nimbly
そのバンドはファンの熱い声援に応えるべく、新曲を発表した。
That band, fans' passionate support, respond, new song released.
声援 (seien) = cheer, support
彼はどんな困難な要求にも応じられる人物だ。
He, any difficult demand, also respond, capable person.
困難な (konnan na) = difficult
政府は国民の意見に真摯に応じるべきだ。
Government, citizens' opinions, sincerely respond, should.
真摯に (shinshi ni) = sincerely
このプロジェクトの成功は、関係者全員の協力に応じることから始まる。
This project's success, related parties all's cooperation, respond, from start.
関係者 (kankeisha) = stakeholders
彼は期待に応えるため、日々努力を重ねている。
He, expectations, respond, for, day by day, effort, is piling up.
日々 (hibi) = day by day
ご提案いただいた条件には、残念ながら応じかねます。
Your proposed terms, unfortunately, respond, unable.
応じかねます (ōjikane masu) = cannot comply/respond
当局は、市民からの度重なる要請に応じ、規制を緩和した。
Authorities, citizens from repeated requests, respond, regulations eased.
当局 (tōkyoku) = authorities
彼の非凡な才能は、周囲の期待を遥かに超えて応じた。
His extraordinary talent, surroundings' expectations, far beyond, responded.
非凡な (hibon na) = extraordinary
この複雑な状況下では、あらゆる可能性に応じられるよう、周到な準備が必要だ。
This complex situation under, all possibilities, respond, able to, thorough preparation, needed.
周到な (shūtō na) = thorough
企業は、社会的な責任を果たすために、多様な声に応じる姿勢が求められる。
Companies, social responsibilities, fulfill, for, diverse voices, respond, stance, is required.
姿勢 (shisei) = stance, attitude
彼の芸術は、鑑賞者の感情の機微に巧みに応じている。
His art, viewer's emotions' subtle changes, skillfully, responds.
機微 (kibi) = subtle changes, nuances
我々は、市場の急速な変化に応じ、ビジネスモデルを刷新した。
We, market's rapid changes, respond, business model, renewed.
刷新した (sasshin shita) = renewed, reformed
その政治家は、有権者の厳しい要求にも冷静に応じた。
That politician, voters' strict demands, also calmly, responded.
有権者 (yūkensha) = voters
この危機的状況において、迅速かつ的確に応じる判断力が不可欠である。
This critical situation in, swift and accurate, respond, judgment ability, is indispensable.
的確に (tekikaku ni) = accurately, precisely
現代社会においては、多様化する価値観に柔軟に応じることが、個人の成長に不可欠である。
Modern society in, diversifying values, flexible, respond, is, individual's growth, to, indispensable.
価値観 (kachikan) = values
彼の文学作品は、人間の深層心理の複雑な動きに繊細に応じている。
His literary works, human's deep psychology's complex movements, subtly, respond.
深層心理 (shinsō shinri) = deep psychology
企業は、ステークホルダーからの多様な期待に応じつつ、持続可能な成長を目指さなければならない。
Companies, stakeholders from diverse expectations, respond, while, sustainable growth, aim, must.
ステークホルダー (sutēkuhorudā) = stakeholders
その外交官は、国際情勢の急激な変化に的確に応じ、危機を回避した。
That diplomat, international situation's rapid changes, accurately, responded, crisis, avoided.
外交官 (gaikōkan) = diplomat
芸術家は、内なる衝動に応じ、既成概念にとらわれない表現を追求する。
Artist, inner impulses, respond, established concepts, bound not, expression, pursues.
衝動 (shōdō) = impulse
この技術革新は、社会の潜在的なニーズに鋭敏に応じる形で現れた。
This technological innovation, society's latent needs, keenly, respond, in the form, appeared.
潜在的な (senzai teki na) = latent, potential
彼のスピーチは、聴衆の感情の起伏に巧みに応じ、共感を呼んだ。
His speech, audience's emotions' ups and downs, skillfully, responded, empathy, evoked.
起伏 (kifuku) = ups and downs
組織は、変化する環境に適応し、その時々の課題に応じる柔軟性を持つべきだ。
Organization, changing environment, adapt, and, that time's challenges, respond, flexibility, should have.
課題 (kadai) = challenge
その哲学者のアプローチは、時代精神の移ろいに深く応じ、新たな思索の地平を切り開いた。
That philosopher's approach, zeitgeist's shifts, deeply, responded, new contemplation's horizon, opened.
時代精神 (jidai seishin) = zeitgeist
彼女の演技は、登場人物の内面の葛藤に驚くほど繊細に応じ、観客を魅了した。
Her acting, character's inner conflicts, surprisingly, subtly, responded, audience, captivated.
葛藤 (kattō) = conflict
この批評は、作品の多層的な意味合いに鋭く応じ、その芸術的価値を再定義するものである。
This critique, work's multi-layered meanings, sharply, responds, its artistic value, redefines, is.
多層的な (tasō teki na) = multi-layered
彼は、権力構造の微妙な変化に即応し、常に有利な立場を維持した。
He, power structure's subtle changes, immediately, responded, always advantageous position, maintained.
即応し (sokuō shi) = responded immediately
その建築様式は、地域の風土と文化に深く応じ、他に類を見ない調和を生み出している。
That architectural style, region's climate and culture, deeply, responds, unparalleled harmony, creates.
風土 (fūdo) = climate and natural features of a region
彼の詩は、人間の存在の根源的な問いに響き、読者の魂に応じる。
His poetry, human existence's fundamental questions, resonates, readers' souls, responds.
根源的な (kongen teki na) = fundamental
この研究は、未解明の現象に果敢に応じ、科学的探求の新たな領域を拓いた。
This research, unsolved phenomena, boldly, responded, scientific inquiry's new frontiers, opened.
果敢に (kakan ni) = boldly, daringly
彼女のリーダーシップは、チームメンバー一人ひとりの潜在能力に的確に応じ、最大限に引き出した。
Her leadership, team members each person's potential ability, accurately, responded, to the maximum, drew out.
潜在能力 (senzai nōryoku) = potential ability
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"要求に応じる"
To meet a demand or comply with a request.
会社は従業員の要求に応じた。
neutral"期待に応じる"
To live up to expectations.
彼は期待に応えるべく努力した。
neutral"呼びかけに応じる"
To respond to a call or appeal.
多くの人が募金活動に応じた。
neutral"状況に応じる"
To adapt to the situation; to act according to circumstances.
状況に応じて対応を変えましょう。
neutral"応じかねる (ōjikaneru)"
To be unable to comply with or respond to (a request, etc.).
その依頼には応じかねます。
formal/neutral"応じても応じなくても"
Whether one complies or not; regardless of compliance.
応じても応じなくても、結果は同じだろう。
neutralEasily Confused
Both imply compliance.
従う emphasizes following orders, rules, or a leader (obedience). 応じる is broader, focusing on responding to requests, situations, or demands, often with a sense of active agreement or adaptation.
指示に従う (follow instructions - obedience) vs. 要求に応じる (respond to demands - compliance/response).
Both mean to accept.
受け入れる is more about passively accepting something (ideas, gifts, news). 応じる implies a more active response or compliance, usually to a specific request, need, or situation.
提案を受け入れる (accept a proposal - passive) vs. 提案に応じる (respond to a proposal - active compliance).
Both involve responding.
対応する is about dealing with or handling a situation, problem, or person. 応じる is more about complying with or accepting a specific request or condition.
問題に対応する (deal with a problem) vs. 要求に応じる (comply with a demand).
Both are forms of response.
答える is specifically for answering questions or replying to direct inquiries. 応じる is for responding to broader requests, situations, or stimuli.
質問に答える (answer a question) vs. 依頼に応じる (respond to a request).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + に応じる
彼は彼女の願いに<strong>応じた</strong>。
Noun + に応じて
<strong>状況に応じて</strong>、計画を変更します。
Verb (stem) + 応じる
変化に<strong>応じ</strong>て、戦略を練る。
Noun + に応じかねる
その無理な要求には<strong>応じかねます</strong>。
Noun + に応じる (potential form)
できる限り多くの要望に<strong>応じられます</strong>。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
応じる implies a more formal or considered agreement, often to a request or demand. For a simple 'yes' to a question or suggestion, はい (hai) or いい (ii) is more natural.
答える is specifically for answering questions. 応じる is for responding to requests, demands, or situations.
While 応じる can imply acceptance, 受け入れる is better for passively accepting something like an idea, a gift, or a new policy without necessarily a prior request.
In very casual settings with close friends, 応じる can sound too stiff. Use simpler expressions like いいよ (ii yo) or いい (ii).
Remember 応じる is an ichidan verb. The negative is 応じない (ōjinai), past is 応じた (ōjita), not 応りる (ōriru) or similar incorrect forms.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand palace (応) where you must 'Jeez!' (じる) and accept every single invitation and request that comes your way. This emphasizes the 'accepting/responding to requests' aspect.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 応じる when people are agreeing to business proposals, accepting invitations to formal events, or when a company announces they are meeting customer demands.
Cultural Insight
In Japanese culture, responding appropriately and politely to requests and situations is highly valued. 応じる embodies this principle of considerate interaction.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 応じる is an -iru verb (ichidan). To make it negative, just change る to ない (応じない). To make it past tense, change る to た (応じた).
Say It Right
Focus on the long 'ō' sound and the tapped 'r' at the end. Practice saying 'Ooooh-jee-roo' slowly, then speed up.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 応じる for simple 'yes'. If someone asks 'Are you hungry?', don't say '応じます'. Just say 'はい' or 'いいえ'.
Did You Know?
The kanji 応 (ō) visually represents a mouth receiving something, highlighting the core meaning of response or answer.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with common collocations like 「依頼に応じる」 and 「期待に応じる」. Practice using them in sentences.
Beyond the Basics
Explore the related verb 応ずる (ōzuru), which is a more formal or literary variant. Noticing it in texts can deepen your understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'Oh!' (応) and then 'Jeez!' (じる) because they have to respond to a difficult request.
Visual Association
Picture a person opening their mouth ('口' from the kanji 応) to give an answer or a nod of agreement.
Word Web
Challenge
Try using 応じる in sentences where you accept an invitation or agree to a request. For example, 'I will 応じる your kind offer.'
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To respond to, to apply to.
Cultural Context
Generally neutral. However, the context of compliance can sometimes touch upon power dynamics (e.g., obeying orders), but the word itself is not inherently sensitive.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of responding to requests or situations is fundamental, but the specific verb '応じる' encapsulates a nuance of polite compliance and active reaction that might require multiple English words to convey accurately.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work / Business
- ご依頼に応じます。
- お客様のご要望に応じたサービスを提供します。
- 市場の変化に応じた戦略が必要です。
Social situations / Invitations
- パーティーのお誘いには喜んで応じます。
- 彼の呼びかけに応じ、皆が集まった。
- ご期待に応えられるよう努めます。
Responding to needs or conditions
- 彼の健康状態に応じた食事を用意した。
- 提示された条件に応じる。
- 緊急事態に応じた対応マニュアル。
General reactions
- 状況に応じた判断が求められる。
- 社会の変化に応じることの重要性。
- 音に応じた反応。
Conversation Starters
"もし友達に何か頼まれたら、あなたはすぐに応じますか？"
"最近、何か大きな変化に応じた経験はありますか？"
"もしあなたが会社の社長なら、従業員のどんな要求に応じたいですか？"
"「期待に応える」ことについて、どう思いますか？"
"どんな状況なら、あなたは「応じかねる」と言いますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to応じる a difficult request. How did you feel?
Think about a situation where you adapted to change. Use the phrase 状況に応じる in your description.
Write about someone you know who always lives up to expectations (期待に応じる).
Imagine you receive an unexpected invitation. How would you decide whether to 応じる or not?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions応じる often implies responding to a specific request, demand, or situation, suggesting an active compliance. 受け入れる is broader and means to accept something more passively, like an idea, a gift, or a situation without necessarily a prior request.
Yes, it can describe reacting to stimuli. For example, 「光に応じる」(hikari ni ōjiru) - to respond to light. However, for involuntary reflexes, other verbs might be more common.
Generally, yes, it implies a positive action of compliance or response. However, the context can sometimes imply fulfilling a negative demand, but the act of responding itself is presented neutrally or positively.
The most common way is using the potential form with the auxiliary verb かねる (kaneru), which means 'cannot do easily' or 'unable to'. So, you'd say 応じかねる (ōjikaneru).
No, for answering questions, the verb 答える (kotaeru) is used. 応じる is for responding to requests, demands, situations, or calls.
Yes, absolutely. You can 応じる expectations (期待), changes (変化), or even the times (時代).
従う (shitagau) means to follow or obey, often implying submission to authority or rules. 応じる is more about responding to or complying with a specific request or situation, and can sometimes imply a more active choice.
While possible, it can sound a bit formal or stiff in very casual conversation among close friends. Simpler expressions like いい (ii) or はい (hai) are often preferred for simple agreements.
Test Yourself
友達の「遊ぼう」という誘いに、私は（ ）。
Here, you are responding to a friend's invitation to play, so '応じた' (responded/accepted) is the best fit.
Which sentence best uses 応じる?
Sentence 3 uses 応じる correctly to mean the company complied with the customer's request.
「状況に応じる」 means to ignore the situation.
「状況に応じる」 means to adapt to or respond to the situation, not ignore it.
Word
Meaning
These pairs show common phrases using 応じる with their meanings.
The correct sentence is 「ファンは声援に期待に応じた。」(Fans responded to the support with expectations.) - Note: A more natural phrasing might be 「ファンは声援に応え、期待に応じた。」or similar, but this tests word order.
政府は国民の（ ）に応じ、新しい政策を発表した。
The government responded to the people's '要望' (demands/requests) by announcing new policies.
Which is the most formal way to say 'respond to a call'?
「呼びかけに応じる」 is a standard and appropriate phrase for responding to a call or appeal, often used in more formal contexts than just '声に応じる'.
この変化の激しい時代において、我々は常に変化に（ ）柔軟な対応が求められる。
「変化に応じ」 means to respond to change, fitting the context of needing flexibility in a rapidly changing era.
彼の芸術は、鑑賞者の内面的な（ ）に深く応じるものだった。
The art deeply responded to the viewer's '感情' (emotions), suggesting a connection to inner feelings.
In which scenario would 応じる be the most appropriate verb?
Agreeing to a complex proposal after deliberation aligns well with the nuanced meaning of 応じる, implying a considered response and compliance.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 応じる allows you to express polite compliance and active response in a wide range of Japanese situations.
- 応じる (ōjiru) is a versatile verb meaning to respond, comply, or accept.
- It's often used when agreeing to requests, invitations, or demands.
- Key phrases include 依頼に応じる (comply with request) and 期待に応じる (live up to expectations).
- While conjugation is simple, choosing the right context for natural usage is important.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand palace (応) where you must 'Jeez!' (じる) and accept every single invitation and request that comes your way. This emphasizes the 'accepting/responding to requests' aspect.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 応じる when people are agreeing to business proposals, accepting invitations to formal events, or when a company announces they are meeting customer demands.
Cultural Insight
In Japanese culture, responding appropriately and politely to requests and situations is highly valued. 応じる embodies this principle of considerate interaction.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 応じる is an -iru verb (ichidan). To make it negative, just change る to ない (応じない). To make it past tense, change る to た (応じた).
Example
顧客の要望に柔軟に応じる。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
