The Meaning of kaitō [回答] In Japanese

回答
かいとう
Romaji: kaitō N4

What does 回答 mean?

Translation and Meaning

answer, response, reply

Definition

What does 回答 mean? It is a noun that denotes giving an answer or reply to a question or inquiry, used in formal, written, or official contexts, and it can be combined with する to form 回答する.

Type

noun (名詞); verb phrase: 回答する is a suru-verb

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Primary meaning as a noun: an answer or response to a question or inquiry.
  • In formal or official contexts, such as surveys, Q and A sessions, exams, or bureaucratic communication.
  • When used in technical or examination contexts, it denotes an official solution or answer, comparable to 解答 in some contexts.

Etymology

phonetic The reading kaitō comes from the on’yomi readings kai and tō, blended to express the act of giving an answer; the pronunciation consolidates into kaitō in standard usage.

Composition

  • 回: turn, loop; in this compound, it contributes the sense of returning or repeating an action as part of giving an answer
  • 答: to answer; the core idea of providing a reply or solution

Usage

In everyday Japanese, 回答 is common in formal, written, and structured exchanges such as surveys, questionnaires, meetings, or official replies. It is less common in casual speech where 回答よりも返事 or 答える is used; in technical or exam contexts, 回答 often means the required answer or solution and is linked to formal documentation.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a circular dial (回) turning to reveal the right answer (答); think of turning back to respond, reinforcing the meaning of give-back or return as a reply.

Variations

  • 返答 (へんとう / hentō) — more natural in spoken or semi-formal replies
  • 応答 (おうとう / ōtō) — response, especially in interactive or technical contexts
  • 解答 (かいとう / kaitō) — answer to a problem or a test
  • 返事 (へんじ / henji) — casual reply

Example Phrases

  • 会議の質問に、私はすぐ回答を出しました。
    Kaigi no shitsumon ni, watashi wa sugu kaitō o dashimashita.
    I gave an immediate answer to the meeting’s question.
    Lista:
    • 会議 (kaigi) – meeting
    • の (no) – of
    • 質問 (shitsumon) – question
    • に (ni) – to
    • 私は (watashi wa) – I
    • すぐ (sugu) – immediately
    • 回答 (kaitō) – answer
    • を (o) – (object marker)
    • 出しました (dashimashita) – gave
    In this sentence, 「回答」 is used as a noun meaning ‘answer’ and is paired with を出す to express ‘to give an answer’.
回答