回答する

• Reading: かいとうする
• Romaji: kaitou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 回 (kai) — turn, revolve, counter; 答 (tou) — answer, reply
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.toː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To reply; to give a formal answer or response to a question or survey.

A Group 3 (suru) verb used for providing answers in formal or structured contexts such as surveys, examinations, and official inquiries. More formal than 答える (to answer). The noun form 回答 is often used independently, as in 回答を得る (to obtain a response).

Examples

1. アンケートに正直に回答してください。 Please answer the survey honestly.
2. お客様からの質問に丁寧に回答した。 We replied politely to the customer's inquiry.
3. 全員が締め切りまでに回答するよう求められた。 Everyone was asked to respond by the deadline.

Usage Guide

Context: surveys, customer service, examinations

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 回 (turn, revolve) + 答 (answer). The 回 suggests sending something back, conveying the idea of returning an answer to the questioner.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal