How to say "respond" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 応ずるおうずるichidan verb (-zuru), intransitive verbCovers answering, responding, and meeting demands; it is the する-verb counterpart of 応じる, used in the same kinds of situations, such as responding to a call or request.
- 応じるおうじるichidan verb, intransitive verbUse it for responding to a request, demand, or invitation; it often implies accepting or complying with what is asked rather than simply giving an answer.
- 応えるこたえるichidan verb, intransitive verbCovers answering and responding, but its characteristic use is meeting demands or expectations — living up to what is hoped or asked of you.
- 言い返すいいかえすgodan verb, transitive verbFor replying in words — answering back or retorting to what someone has said; the response is speech, often with a hint of talking back.
- 感ずるかんずるichidan verb (-zuru), transitive verb, intransitive verbSeldom the word you want for 'respond': it really means to feel — to be moved, touched, or impressed by something — and its 'respond (to)' sense is marginal.
Use 「応じる」 (or its する-verb counterpart 「応ずる」) for responding to requests or demands, 「応える」 for meeting expectations, 「言い返す」 for replying or talking back, and leave 「感ずる」 aside, since it is about being moved rather than responding.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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