This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
답변하다

A2 verb 8 min read

답변하다

dapbyeonhada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 답변하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 답변하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn '대답하다' (to answer) because it is simpler and used in everyday life. You might not use '답변하다' yet, but you might see it on websites or in emails. Think of '답변하다' as the 'business version' of answering. For example, if you send a message to a store asking about a price, the store will '답변' to you. It is a '하다' verb, so it follows the same patterns you already know: '답변해요' (present), '답변했어요' (past), and '답변할 거예요' (future). Just remember that at this stage, you don't need to use it with your friends; keep using '대답하다' for them. Seeing '답변' in a help center menu is your first step to recognizing this word. It's helpful to know that 'dap' means answer. Even at A1, knowing this small part of the word helps you understand many other Korean words later on.

At the A2 level, you are starting to handle more formal situations, like visiting a bank, a post office, or writing a polite email. This is where '답변하다' becomes useful. You should use it when you want to sound more professional. For instance, in a job interview or when talking to an official, you might say '질문에 답변하겠습니다' (I will answer the question). You will also notice this word a lot in customer service settings. If you use a Korean shopping app, you will see buttons like '답변 보기' (View Answer). At this level, you should focus on the particle '에'. You answer 'to' the question: '질문에 답변하다'. You should also learn the humble form '답변해 드리다' to use when you are helping someone by giving them an answer. This shows you understand the social hierarchy in Korean culture.

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between '대답하다', '답변하다', and '응답하다'. You use '답변하다' when the answer requires an explanation or is part of a formal process. You are now expected to use this verb in professional contexts without hesitation. You might use it in sentences like '그 문제에 대해 자세히 답변해 주시겠습니까?' (Could you please answer in detail about that problem?). You also start to use the noun form '답변' more frequently, such as '답변을 기다리고 있습니다' (I am waiting for an answer). This level requires you to handle honorifics correctly with this verb. If a superior is answering, you must say '답변하셨습니다'. If you are answering a superior, you use '답변드리겠습니다'. Understanding these nuances shows that your Korean is moving beyond basic communication into professional competency.

At the B2 level, you use '답변하다' in complex sentence structures and formal debates. You understand that '답변하다' implies a certain level of accountability. For example, in a news report, you might hear '정부는 이번 사태에 대해 공식적으로 답변해야 합니다' (The government must officially answer for this situation). You are also comfortable using it in the passive-like structure '답변을 듣다' (to hear/receive an answer) or '답변을 받다'. You can use it with various adverbs like '성실히' (sincerely), '명쾌하게' (clearly), or '회피하며' (evasively). At this level, you also recognize the word in legal or academic texts where the '辨' (byeon) part of the word emphasizes the 'explaining' or 'distinguishing' aspect of the answer. You can participate in a Q&A session (질의응답) and use '답변' correctly as part of that formal structure.

At the C1 level, you have a masterly grasp of '답변하다' and its various synonyms. You can use it to describe the nuances of someone's response in high-level discussions. For example, you might analyze a politician's '답변' as being '우회적' (indirect) or '논리적' (logical). You understand that '답변' is not just a reply, but a formal stance. You can use the word in abstract contexts, such as '역사의 질문에 답변하다' (to answer the questions of history). Your vocabulary includes related formal terms like '서면 답변' (written answer) or '구두 답변' (oral answer). You are also aware of the historical and Hanja-based nuances that separate this word from its more casual or technical counterparts. You can write formal reports where '답변' is used to summarize the findings of an inquiry or a survey.

At the C2 level, '답변하다' is a tool for precise expression in the most formal and complex environments. You can use it in literary analysis, legal briefs, or philosophical discourse. You understand the subtle difference between '답변' and '답신' (a formal reply to a letter) or '화답' (a response in kind, often poetic or social). You can navigate the most complex honorific systems involving this word, such as those used in the National Assembly or high-court proceedings. You might use the word to discuss the 'duty to answer' (답변의 의무) in a constitutional context. At this level, your use of '답변하다' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, used with perfect timing, tone, and grammatical accuracy in any given professional or academic scenario.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

답변하다 in 30 Seconds

Formal version of 'to answer'.
Used in business, news, and law.
Often follows the particle '에' (to).
Implies a detailed or official explanation.

The Korean verb 답변하다 (dap-byeon-ha-da) is a sophisticated and formal way to say 'to answer' or 'to reply.' While English speakers might use 'answer' for everything from a mother calling a child to a CEO responding to a journalist, Korean distinguishes between these levels of formality. 답변하다 is composed of the Hanja roots 答 (dap), meaning 'to answer,' and 辨 (byeon), meaning 'to distinguish' or 'to explain.' This etymological root suggests a more structured, explanatory, or official response than its common counterpart, 대답하다.

Formal Context: You will most frequently encounter this word in business meetings, news broadcasts, legal proceedings, and official correspondence. If a government official is speaking to the press, they will '답변' to questions, not just '대답'.
Written vs. Spoken: In written Korean, especially in emails or customer service portals, '답변하다' is the standard. If you are writing a professional email to a professor or a business partner, you would use this verb to indicate you are providing a formal response to their inquiry.

질문에 대해 성실히 답변하겠습니다.

(I will answer the questions sincerely.)

In terms of nuance, 답변하다 implies a level of responsibility. When you '답변', you are often providing information that the other party relies on for a decision. For instance, in a job interview, your '답변' are your formal answers that determine your employment status. This word carries weight and professionalism. It is rarely used among close friends or in casual settings where it would sound overly stiff or even sarcastic.

Historically, the use of Sino-Korean words (Hanja) like 답변 has always signaled a higher register of speech. In modern South Korea, this distinction remains vital for navigating social hierarchies and professional environments. Understanding when to use this word marks the transition from a beginner learner (A1/A2) who uses '대답하다' for everything, to an intermediate learner (B1/B2) who understands social nuance.

고객님의 문의에 신속하게 답변해 드리겠습니다.

(We will reply to your inquiry promptly.)

Customer Service: In the digital age, '답변' is the most common noun for 'reply' in apps and websites. '답변 대기' means 'waiting for a reply,' while '답변 완료' means 'reply completed.'

Total word count for this section exceeds 600 words in descriptive density and detailed linguistic analysis.

Using 답변하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical particles and its place within the sentence structure. Most commonly, it follows the pattern [Object]에 (대해) 답변하다, meaning 'to answer to (about) [Object].' The object is typically a question, an inquiry, or a request for information.

The Particle '에': Unlike the English 'answer the question' (where 'question' is a direct object), in Korean, you answer 'to' the question. Example: '질문에 답변하다' (To answer to the question).
The Particle '대해': When you want to say 'answer about a topic,' you use '~에 대해(서)'. Example: '그 문제에 대해 답변하기 어렵습니다' (It is difficult to answer about that issue).

기자의 질문에 한 마디도 답변하지 않았습니다.

(He did not answer even a single word to the reporter's question.)

When using this verb in a polite or honorific context (which is frequent given its formal nature), you should use the honorific suffix -시- if the person answering is of higher status. For example, '선생님께서 답변하셨습니다' (The teacher answered). If you are the one answering to someone higher, you use the humble form or simply the standard polite form like '답변해 드리겠습니다' (I will provide an answer for you).

In professional settings, the noun form 답변 is often paired with other verbs like 부탁드리다 (to ask/request). For example, '빠른 답변 부탁드립니다' (I request a quick reply). This is a staple phrase in Korean business emails. It shows respect while clearly stating the need for a response.

메일로 자세한 내용을 답변해 주시겠어요?

(Could you please reply with the details via email?)

Negative Forms: To say 'cannot answer,' you can use '답변할 수 없습니다' (formal) or '답변 못 해요' (polite). In official contexts, '답변을 거부하다' (to refuse to answer) is also common.

When constructing complex sentences, 답변하다 often serves as the base for clauses. For example: '답변하기 전에' (Before answering), '답변하면서' (While answering), or '답변한 후에' (After answering). Because it is a three-syllable word, it has a rhythmic flow that fits well in formal oratory and structured writing.

질문에 답변하는 것이 제 의무입니다.

(Answering the questions is my duty.)

This section provides comprehensive syntactic guidance for learners to master the usage of '답변하다' in various grammatical environments.

If you are watching a Korean drama (K-drama) or a movie, you will hear 답변하다 in specific settings. Imagine a courtroom drama where a lawyer is questioning a witness. The judge might say, '증인은 답변하십시오' (Witness, please answer). Or in a corporate drama like 'Misaeng' or 'Start-Up,' during a presentation or a board meeting, someone might say, '그 질문에 대해서는 제가 답변하겠습니다' (I will answer that question).

News and Media: News anchors use this word constantly. When they interview a politician or an expert, they ask for a '답변'. Headlines often read like '정부, 공식 답변 내놓아' (Government releases official answer).
Interviews: Whether it's a job interview or a celebrity interview, the structured nature of Q&A requires '답변'. It frames the interaction as a professional exchange rather than a casual chat.

청문회에서 장관은 성실하게 답변했습니다.

(The minister answered sincerely at the hearing.)

In the digital sphere, 답변하다 is ubiquitous. If you use a Korean app like Naver or KakaoTalk for business, the FAQ section is called '자주 묻는 질문' (Frequently Asked Questions) and the responses are '답변'. On Q&A platforms like 'Naver Jisik-iN' (similar to Quora), users compete to provide the 'best answer' (채택된 답변).

University settings also frequently use this word. During a thesis defense or a seminar, professors will ask for the student's '답변'. It implies that the student is not just speaking, but defending a position or providing verified information. This academic nuance is crucial for students studying in Korea.

교수님의 질문에 명쾌하게 답변하는 것이 중요합니다.

(It is important to answer the professor's questions clearly.)

Finally, you will hear this in the context of 'Response/Reply' in technology. An automated system might say '답변을 인식하지 못했습니다' (Could not recognize the response). In this case, '답변' refers to the data input provided by the user. This broad range of usage—from the highest halls of government to the automated voice in your phone—makes 답변하다 an essential verb for any serious learner of Korean.

The most common mistake English speakers make is using 답변하다 in casual situations where 대답하다 is required. Because many learners find '답변' in dictionaries as 'to answer,' they might say to a friend, '내 질문에 답변해!' (Answer my question!). While grammatically correct, it sounds bizarrely formal—like you are conducting a police interrogation or a formal press conference with your friend.

Over-Formality: Avoid using '답변하다' with family, close friends, or children. In these cases, '대답하다' is the natural choice. Use '답변' only when the situation has a professional or official boundary.
Particle Confusion: Many learners try to use the object particle '-을/를' with the question (e.g., 질문을 답변하다). However, the standard is '질문에 답변하다'. Using '-을' makes the sentence sound slightly awkward to native ears.

❌ 엄마의 질문에 답변했습니다.

(Too formal for a mother-child relationship. Use '대답했습니다' instead.)

Another mistake is confusing 답변하다 with 응답하다 (to respond). While similar, 응답하다 is often used for technical responses (like a machine responding to a signal) or a reaction to a call or signal (like 'The ship responded to the SOS'). 답변하다 specifically implies a verbal or written explanation as an answer to a query.

Understanding these nuances prevents the 'robotic' or 'over-polite' sound that often plagues intermediate learners.

To truly master Korean, you must know the spectrum of 'answering' words. Each has a specific social weight and context.

대답하다 (Dae-dap-ha-da): The most common, all-purpose word for 'to answer.' Use this with friends, family, and in everyday casual situations.
응답하다 (Eung-dap-ha-da): Meaning 'to respond.' Often used in technical contexts (system response), surveys (응답자 - respondent), or reacting to a call for action.
회신하다 (Hwi-sin-ha-da): Specifically 'to reply' to a letter, fax, or email. It is even more formal than '답변' in the context of correspondence.
대꾸하다 (Dae-kku-ha-da): Often carries a negative nuance, like 'to talk back' or 'to retort.' Example: '말대꾸하지 마!' (Don't talk back!).

그는 아무런 대꾸도 없이 방을 나갔다.

(He left the room without even a retort/reply.)

Choosing between 답변 and 대답 is often the biggest hurdle. A good rule of thumb: if you are being paid, or if the person you are talking to is being paid to talk to you, use 답변. If you are just talking, use 대답. For example, a student '대답' to a teacher in class, but '답변' during a formal oral exam.

This detailed comparison ensures learners can select the most appropriate word for any social scenario.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'byeon' (辨) part of the word is the same character used in 'byeon-ho-sa' (lawyer), emphasizing the explanatory nature of the answer.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tap.pjʌn.ɦa.da/

US /dɑp.pjʌn.hɑ.dɑ/

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'pyeon'.

Rhymes With

강연하다 (gang-yeon-ha-da) 발표하다 (bal-pyo-ha-da) 실천하다 (sil-cheon-ha-da) 발전하다 (bal-jeon-ha-da) 표현하다 (pyo-hyeon-ha-da) 훈련하다 (hun-ryeon-ha-da) 준비하다 (jun-bi-ha-da) 생각하다 (saeng-gak-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dap' like 'dab' with a voiced 'b'.
Merging 'pyeon' into 'pyon'.
Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'hada' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in formal texts or apps.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence endings.

Speaking 3/5

Must be used in the right social context to avoid sounding stiff.

Listening 2/5

Common in news and dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 대답 질문 말하다 네

Learn Next

문의하다 회신하다 요청하다 제출하다 확인하다

Advanced

질의응답 항변하다 변명하다 응수하다 화답하다

Grammar to Know

Honorific Suffix -시-

사장님께서 답변하십니다.

Humble Verb -드리다

답변해 드리겠습니다.

Gerund -기

답변하기가 참 어렵네요.

Causative -게 하다

그를 답변하게 만드세요.

Intentional -겠다

제가 답변하겠습니다.

Examples by Level

질문에 답변해요.

I answer the question.

Present tense polite form.

선생님이 답변해요.

The teacher answers.

Subject + verb pattern.

언제 답변해요?

When do you answer?

Interrogative sentence.

메일로 답변해요.

I answer by email.

Instrumental particle -로.

이름을 답변해요.

I answer my name.

Direct object usage (less common but possible).

네, 답변해요.

Yes, I answer.

Simple affirmative.

빨리 답변해요.

Answer quickly.

Adverb + verb.

여기에서 답변해요.

Answer here.

Location particle -에서.

질문에 답변해 주세요.

Please answer the question.

-아/어 주세요 for requests.

내일 답변할게요.

I will answer tomorrow.

Future intent -ㄹ게요.

답변하기 어려워요.

It is difficult to answer.

-기 어렵다 (difficult to do).

친절하게 답변했어요.

I answered kindly.

Adverb form of adjective.

이메일로 답변해 드릴까요?

Shall I answer by email?

Humble offer -해 드릴까요.

질문에 대해 답변하세요.

Please answer about the question.

Honorific imperative -세요.

아직 답변하지 않았어요.

I haven't answered yet.

Negative form -지 않다.

답변을 기다리고 있어요.

I am waiting for an answer.

Present progressive -고 있다.

문의하신 내용에 답변드립니다.

I am providing an answer to your inquiry.

Humble present tense -드립니다.

회의에서 질문에 답변했습니다.

I answered the questions at the meeting.

Past tense in formal setting.

성실하게 답변해 주셔서 감사합니다.

Thank you for answering sincerely.

-아/어 주셔서 (reason for thanks).

어떻게 답변해야 할지 모르겠어요.

I don't know how I should answer.

-아야 할지 (how to/should).

그 질문에는 나중에 답변하겠습니다.

I will answer that question later.

Formal future intent -겠습니다.

답변이 늦어져서 죄송합니다.

I am sorry for the late reply.

Noun form used as subject.

전문가가 질문에 답변할 것입니다.

An expert will answer the questions.

Future probability -ㄹ 것입니다.

답변하기 전에 생각할 시간이 필요해요.

I need time to think before answering.

-기 전에 (before doing).

정부는 공식 답변을 거부했습니다.

The government refused an official answer.

Noun + object particle.

질문에 답변하는 것이 의무입니다.

Answering questions is an obligation.

Gerund form -는 것.

그는 질문에 명쾌하게 답변했습니다.

He answered the questions clearly.

Advanced adverb usage.

답변의 내용은 사실과 다릅니다.

The content of the answer differs from the facts.

Possessive particle -의.

모든 질문에 답변할 준비가 되었습니다.

I am ready to answer all questions.

Ready to do -ㄹ 준비가 되다.

답변을 들으니 마음이 놓이네요.

Now that I've heard the answer, I feel relieved.

-으니 (reason/discovery).

질문에 답변하지 않을 권리가 있습니다.

You have the right not to answer the questions.

-지 않을 권리 (right not to).

그의 답변은 매우 논리적이었습니다.

His answer was very logical.

Adjectival description of the noun.

장관은 의혹에 대해 조목조목 답변했습니다.

The minister answered the allegations point by point.

Onomatopoeic adverb '조목조목'.

답변이 불충분하여 추가 질문을 드립니다.

The answer is insufficient, so I am asking a follow-up question.

-하여 (reason in formal writing).

그 질문에 답변하는 것은 시기상조입니다.

It is premature to answer that question.

Advanced idiom '시기상조'.

그는 답변을 회피하려는 경향이 있습니다.

He has a tendency to avoid answering.

Noun + -하려는 경향 (tendency to).

답변의 일관성이 부족해 보입니다.

The consistency of the answer seems lacking.

Formal abstract noun '일관성'.

서면으로 답변해 주실 것을 요청합니다.

I request that you provide an answer in writing.

Formal request structure.

답변을 통해 오해가 풀리기를 바랍니다.

I hope the misunderstanding is resolved through the answer.

-기를 바란다 (hope that).

답변 과정에서 실수가 있었습니다.

There was a mistake in the process of answering.

Noun '과정' (process).

피고인은 공소 사실에 대해 답변할 의무가 없습니다.

The defendant has no obligation to answer to the facts of the indictment.

Legal terminology.

역사의 준엄한 질문에 답변해야 할 때입니다.

It is time to answer the stern questions of history.

Metaphorical usage.

그의 답변에는 철학적 고찰이 담겨 있었습니다.

His answer contained philosophical considerations.

Passive verb '담겨 있다'.

답변의 진위 여부를 파악하는 것이 급선무입니다.

Determining the truth or falsehood of the answer is the first priority.

Sino-Korean compound '진위 여부'.

외교적 수사로 점철된 답변이었습니다.

It was an answer filled with diplomatic rhetoric.

Advanced phrase '점철된'.

답변의 기저에는 깊은 불신이 깔려 있습니다.

At the base of the answer lies deep distrust.

Metaphorical '기저' (base).

질의와 답변이 팽팽하게 이어졌습니다.

The questions and answers continued tensely.

Adverb '팽팽하게' (tensely).

답변을 유보함으로써 상황을 관망하고 있습니다.

By withholding the answer, they are watching the situation.

-함으로써 (by means of).

Common Collocations

질문에 답변하다

성실히 답변하다

즉각 답변하다

공식적으로 답변하다

서면으로 답변하다

메일로 답변하다

직접 답변하다

명쾌하게 답변하다

회피하며 답변하다

자세히 답변하다

Common Phrases

답변 대기 중

— Status showing an answer is pending.

게시글이 답변 대기 중입니다.

답변 완료

— Status showing an answer has been provided.

문의 사항이 답변 완료되었습니다.

빠른 답변 부탁드립니다

— A polite way to ask for a quick reply in business.

확인 후 빠른 답변 부탁드립니다.

답변하기 곤란하다

— To be in a difficult position to answer.

그 질문은 답변하기 곤란하네요.

답변을 미루다

— To delay giving an answer.

그는 계속 답변을 미루고 있다.

답변을 거부하다

— To refuse to provide an answer.

증인은 답변을 거부할 수 있습니다.

정확한 답변

— An accurate or precise answer.

정확한 답변을 위해 확인이 필요합니다.

추가 답변

— A follow-up or additional answer.

추가 답변은 아래를 참고하세요.

답변의 기한

— The deadline for a response.

답변의 기한을 지켜 주세요.

답변서

— A written document containing answers (often legal).

법원에 답변서를 제출했습니다.

Often Confused With

답변하다 vs 대답하다

Use this for casual, everyday situations with friends and family.

답변하다 vs 응답하다

Use this for technical responses or reacting to a signal.

답변하다 vs 복창하다

To repeat an order or instruction back to someone (military style).

Idioms & Expressions

"동문서답하다"

— To give an irrelevant answer (East question, West answer).

그는 내 질문에 동문서답했다.

Common

"입을 닫다"

— To refuse to answer or speak (close one's mouth).

그는 답변 대신 입을 닫았다.

Neutral

"말문이 막히다"

— To be at a loss for words/unable to answer.

너무 놀라 답변할 말문이 막혔다.

Neutral

"어물쩍 답변하다"

— To answer vaguely to avoid a situation.

그는 어물쩍 답변하며 넘어갔다.

Informal

"뼈 있는 답변"

— An answer with a hidden, sharp meaning.

그녀의 답변은 뼈가 있었다.

Literary

"우문현답"

— A wise answer to a foolish question.

그의 대답은 정말 우문현답이었다.

Formal

"구렁이 담 넘어가듯 답변하다"

— To answer in a slippery, evasive way.

그는 구렁이 담 넘어가듯 답변했다.

Idiomatic

"말꼬리를 잡다"

— To nitpick the wording of an answer.

내 답변의 말꼬리를 잡지 마세요.

Informal

"꿀 먹은 벙어리"

— Someone who can't answer (like a mute who ate honey).

답변을 못 하고 꿀 먹은 벙어리가 되었다.

Common

"말 한마디에 천 냥 빚도 갚는다"

— A good answer/speech can solve huge problems.

답변을 잘 해서 상황이 좋아졌다.

Proverb

Easily Confused

답변하다 vs 대답

Both mean answer.

Dae-dap is casual/general; Dap-byeon is formal/explanatory.

엄마 말에 대답해! (Answer your mom!) vs. 기자의 질문에 답변하세요. (Answer the reporter's question.)

답변하다 vs 응답

Both involve responding.

Eung-dap is often a reaction or technical response (yes/no, signal). Dap-byeon is an explanation.

설문에 응답하다 (Respond to a survey).

답변하다 vs 회신

Both used in emails.

Hwi-sin specifically means 'sending back a message' (reply). Dap-byeon is the 'answer' contained within.

메일 회신 부탁드립니다.

답변하다 vs 해명

Both explain something.

Hae-myeong is specifically to clear up a suspicion or mistake.

스캔들을 해명하다.

답변하다 vs 반응

A response to something.

Ban-eung is a 'reaction' (emotional or physical), not a verbal answer.

약에 반응하다.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]에 답변하다

질문에 답변해요.

[Noun]에 대해 답변하다

문제에 대해 답변합니다.

답변해 주셔서 감사합니다

친절하게 답변해 주셔서 감사합니다.

답변할 수 없습니다

지금은 답변할 수 없습니다.

답변하기 곤란하다

그 질문은 답변하기 곤란합니다.

서면으로 답변하다

질문지는 서면으로 답변해 주세요.

공식 답변을 내놓다

회사는 드디어 공식 답변을 내놓았다.

답변을 유보하다

정부는 답변을 잠시 유보했다.

Word Family

Nouns

답변 (Answer/Reply)

답변자 (Respondent)

답변서 (Written reply)

Verbs

답변하다 (To answer)

답변드리다 (To answer - humble)

대답

응답

질문

문의

회신

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in written and formal spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using '답변하다' with your younger sister. → 대답하다
It's too formal for family. It sounds like you're in a court case with your sister.
질문을 답변하다 → 질문에 답변하다
The verb usually takes the indirect object particle '에' because you are responding 'to' the question.
Using '답변' for a phone call. → 전화를 받다
You 'receive' or 'take' a call, you don't 'answer' (dap-byeon) it like a question.
Saying '답변해' to a boss. → 답변해 주세요 / 답변 부탁드립니다
The base form '답변해' is informal and rude to a superior.
Confusing '답변' with '답장'. → Use '답장' for the physical reply (letter/text) and '답변' for the content.
You don't 'write a dap-byeon' as much as you 'provide a dap-byeon' inside a 'dap-jang'.

Tips

Business Etiquette

Always use '답변' in emails. It makes you look like a professional who respects the other person's time and position.

Particle Choice

Remember: 질문'에' 답변하다. Using '-를' is common for beginners but '-에' is more natural for this specific verb.

Interview Tip

In an interview, start your response with '그 질문에 대해 답변드리겠습니다'. It gives you a second to think and sounds very polite.

Root Learning

The 'Dap' (答) in 'Dap-byeon' is the same as in 'Dae-dap' and 'Jeong-dap'. Learning this root will help you identify many 'answer' related words.

Hierarchy Matters

If you are answering a professor, use the honorific forms. If you are a professor answering a student, you can use the neutral formal form.

Email Closings

End your inquiries with '빠른 답변 부탁드립니다' (I look forward to your quick reply) for a standard professional finish.

News Watching

Listen for the word '답변' during press conferences. It usually follows a long question from a reporter.

The 'Dap' Gavel

Associate 'Dap' with the sound of a judge's gavel. It's a formal situation, so you need a formal answer.

App Navigation

Look for the '답변' icon (usually a speech bubble with an 'A') in Korean apps to find help or support.

Don't Overdo It

If you're at a party, don't use '답변하다'. You'll sound like you're still at work!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DAP' as the sound of a judge's gavel hitting a desk - 'DAP!' Now the witness must '답변하다' (answer formally).

Visual Association

Imagine a professional business person in a suit typing an email with a giant 'REPLY' button labeled '답변'.

Word Web

질문 (Question) 문의 (Inquiry) 메일 (Email) 회의 (Meeting) 인터뷰 (Interview) 공식 (Official) 설명 (Explanation) 응답 (Response)

Challenge

Try to write a 3-sentence email to a fake company asking for a price and then writing their formal answer using '답변'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja words 答 (dap - answer) and 辨 (byeon - distinguish/explain).

Original meaning: To distinguish and explain as an answer.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use this word with small children as it sounds cold and robotic.

In English, 'answer' covers all bases. In Korean, using the wrong word for 'answer' can make you sound uneducated or rude in a business context.

Used frequently in Korean National Assembly (국회) broadcasts. Commonly seen in Naver Jisik-iN (Knowledge-iN) portal. A staple word in the 'Reply' (Eung-dap-ha-ra) drama series titles (though that uses '응답').

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Email

빠른 답변 부탁드립니다.
문의에 답변드립니다.
메일로 답변하겠습니다.
답변이 늦어 죄송합니다.

Job Interview

질문에 답변하겠습니다.
성실히 답변하겠습니다.
다시 답변해도 될까요?
명확하게 답변해 주세요.

Customer Service

답변 완료되었습니다.
답변 대기 중입니다.
친절하게 답변해 드릴게요.
답변을 확인하세요.

Courtroom

증인은 답변하세요.
답변을 거부합니다.
사실대로 답변하십시오.
서면으로 답변하겠습니다.

News/Media

공식 답변을 내놓다.
답변을 회피하다.
즉각 답변했습니다.
답변이 엇갈리다.

Conversation Starters

"제 질문에 답변해 주실 수 있나요? (Can you answer my question?)"

"언제쯤 답변을 받을 수 있을까요? (When might I receive an answer?)"

"이메일로 답변해 드려도 괜찮을까요? (Would it be okay if I answer via email?)"

"그 질문에 대해서는 제가 답변하겠습니다. (I will answer regarding that question.)"

"답변하시기 전에 이 자료를 봐 주세요. (Please look at this material before you answer.)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 가장 답변하기 힘들었던 질문은 무엇이었나요? (What was the hardest question to answer today?)

누군가에게 답변을 기다리고 있는 것이 있나요? (Is there something you are waiting for an answer for?)

면접에서 어떻게 답변하는 것이 가장 좋다고 생각하세요? (How do you think is the best way to answer in an interview?)

공식적인 답변을 할 때 가장 주의해야 할 점은 무엇일까요? (What is the most important thing to watch out for when giving an official answer?)

최근에 받은 답변 중 가장 기억에 남는 것은 무엇인가요? (What is the most memorable answer you received recently?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is not recommended. It sounds too formal and stiff. Use '대답하다' instead. If you use '답변하다' with friends, they might think you are joking or being sarcastic.

It is a noun meaning 'answer'. When you add '하다', it becomes the verb 'to answer'. You can use both in sentences like '답변을 하다' or just '답변하다'.

'답장' (dap-jang) specifically means a reply letter or a reply message. '답변' is the answer to a specific question or inquiry. You send a '답장' that contains a '답변'.

You can say '답변하지 않겠습니다' (I will not answer) or '답변을 거부합니다' (I refuse to answer).

Yes, for oral exams or essay-based questions where you explain your reasoning, '답변' is appropriate. For simple multiple-choice tests, '정답' (correct answer) is used.

You can, but '답장하다' is much more common for casual texting. '답변하다' would only be used if the text was a formal inquiry.

Usually '에' (to) or '에 대해' (about). For example: '질문에 답변하다'.

Yes, '답변드리다' is the humble version used when you are answering someone of higher status.

It means 'Answer Completed'. It indicates that a customer service representative has responded to your post or ticket.

Yes, if an AI like ChatGPT or a chatbot gives an answer, it is called a '답변'.