応じる

• Reading: おうじる
• Romaji: oujiru
• Kanji breakdown: 応 (ou) — respond, answer
• Pronunciation: /o.ɯ.dʑi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To respond; to comply with; to adapt to. Acting in accordance with a request or situation.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb conjugated by dropping る. Often used with に to indicate what is being responded to. Common patterns include 要求に応じる (comply with a demand), 状況に応じて (depending on the situation), and 招待に応じる (accept an invitation). More formal than 答える (to answer).

Examples

1. 会社は社員の要求に応じることにした。 The company decided to comply with the employees' demands.
2. 状況に応じて計画を変えるべきだ。 You should change the plan depending on the situation.
3. 面接の招待に応じて会社を訪問した。 I accepted the interview invitation and visited the company.

Usage Guide

Context: business, negotiation, administration

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 応 (ou, to respond/answer) combined with じる (jiru, a verb-forming suffix). The kanji 応 depicts a heart (心) responding — an emotional or willing response to external demands.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal