Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 返事する | henji-suru | |
| 返信する | henshin-suru | |
| 答える | kotaeru | [ko̞ta̠e̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The Japanese language uses different verbs to reply depending on whether the response is verbal, digital or a direct answer to a question. Generally, 返事する is used for verbal responses or simple acknowledgments. When replying via electronic means such as emails, texts or digital messages, 返信する is the specific term to use. If you are answering a specific question, a riddle or a problem, use 答える.
Which one should you use?
返事する is the most common way to say 'to reply' or 'to answer' in a general sense, often used for verbal responses. 返信する is used specifically for replying to digital communications like emails or messages. 答える is used when the reply is specifically an answer to a question, a test or a riddle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 返事する can also be expressed as 返事をする, where the noun is followed by the verb 'to do'.
How do you pronounce it?
henji-suru
Did you know?
- The verb 答える (kotaeru) can also mean 'to respond' to a physical stimulus, such as a plant responding to sunlight or a body reacting to medicine.
- In digital communication, some Japanese users use the term 既読スルー (kidoku suru) to describe the act of reading a message but intentionally not using 返信する to reply.
- The noun in 返事する, 返事 (henji), is composed of characters meaning 'return' and 'matter', treating a reply as a physical object being sent back.
Examples in context
- みんな英語で返信するのが早いよね。あっ、私が遅すぎるだけかぁ。Looks like everyone can reply in English so quickly. Ah, or maybe I'm just too slow.This sentence shows how someone might use 返信する to talk about replying in English.Tatoeba #9807100 by small_snow, translation #9807249 by DJ_Saidez
- 彼の手紙に返事するべきだろうか？Should I reply to his letter?This sentence uses 返事する to ask about replying to a letter.Tatoeba #1656242 by mookeee, translation #286631 by CK
- これについては「まことに仰る通りでございます」と答えるしかないのです。In connection with this I can only reply, "it is just as you say."This sentence uses 答える to show how to provide a specific response to a statement.Tatoeba #74795 by fcbond, translation #328924 by fcbond
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about a message from a friend.
- 美咲 Misaki健太君、もう返事した？Kenta-kun, mō henji shita?Kenta, have you replied yet?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、まだ返事してないよ。Iie, mada henji shite nai yo.No, I haven't replied yet.
- 美咲 Misaki早めに返事してあげてね。Hayame ni henji shite agete ne.Please reply to them soon.
- 健太 Kentaわかった。今から返事するよ。Wakatta. Ima kara henji suru yo.Got it. I'll reply right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reply” translations and entries 答える, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
