答复

• Pinyin: dá fù
• Hanzi breakdown: 答 (answer) + 复 (return, repeat)

Meaning

To reply; a reply; response.

A formal way to say reply or response. More official than 回答 and often used in business, government, or formal correspondence. Can be used as both a verb and a noun.

Examples

1. 关于您的申请，我们会在三个工作日内给您答复。 Regarding your application, we will give you a reply within three business days.
2. 他对这个问题一直没有正式答复。 He still hasn't given a formal reply to this question.
3. 领导的答复让大家都很满意。 The leader's response satisfied everyone.

Usage Guide

Context: official communication, business, formal requests

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 请尽快给我答复。(Please give me a reply as soon as possible.)
• 我会答复你的请求。(I will respond to your request.)

Don't Say

• 朋友之间说'我答复你'太正式——平时说'我回你'或'我告诉你'更自然 (Saying 我答复你 to friends is too formal — use 我回你 or 我告诉你 casually)

Origin & History

Compound of 答 (to answer) + 复 (to return, to repeat), meaning to return an answer.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal