答え

• Reading: こたえ
• Romaji: kotae
• Kanji breakdown: 答 (tou/kota) — answer, reply
• Pronunciation: /ko.ta.e/

Meaning

Answer; reply; response. The solution or response to a question or problem.

A noun derived from the verb 答える (to answer). Used for answers to test questions, responses to inquiries, and solutions to problems. The related verb 答える (kotaeru) is a Group 2 (ichidan) verb. In academic contexts, often paired with 問題 or 質問.

Examples

1. この問題の答えがわかりません。 I don't know the answer to this problem.
2. 答えをノートに書いてください。 Please write the answer in your notebook.
3. 先生が答えを教えてくれました。 The teacher told me the answer.

Usage Guide

Context: education, tests, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 答える (to answer). The kanji 答 combines 竹 (bamboo) and 合 (fit), originally suggesting a bamboo writing instrument used to compose fitting responses.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal