回答

• Pinyin: huí dá
• Hanzi breakdown: 回 (to return) + 答 (to answer) — sending back a response

Meaning

To answer; to reply; an answer. Used for responding to questions.

Can be used as both a verb (回答问题 = answer a question) and a noun (你的回答很好 = your answer is great). More formal than 说, it specifically means responding to a question or inquiry.

Examples

1. 请回答我的问题。 Please answer my question.
2. 他的回答是对的。 His answer is correct.
3. 你能回答这个问题吗？ Can you answer this question?

Usage Guide

Context: school, conversation, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 谁来回答这个问题？(Who wants to answer this question?)
• 你的回答很好。(Your answer is very good.)

Don't Say

• 回答我你好。(回答 is for questions, not greetings — just say 你好 back)

Origin & History

Compound of 回 (to return) and 答 (to answer) — returning a response to a question.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal