答える
こたえる

to answer

N5Ichidan (Ru-verb / Group 2)intransitive

To answer, reply, or respond to a question. An ichidan verb commonly used in both formal and casual settings.

Complete Conjugation of 答える

Dictionary (辞書形)
Base form found in dictionaries
答える
Polite (ます形)
Standard polite form
答えます
Negative (ない形)
Casual negative
答えない
Past (た形)
Past tense, casual
答えた
Te-form (て形)
Connecting form — requests, progressive
答えて
Potential (可能形)
Ability — 'can do'
答えられる
Volitional (意向形)
Intention — 'let's do'
答えよう
Passive (受身形)
Action done to the subject
答えられる
Causative (使役形)
Make/let someone do
答えさせる
Conditional (仮定形)
If / when condition
答えれば
Imperative (命令形)
Direct command (casual/rough)
答えろ

Example Sentences

質問に答えてください。
しつもんにこたえてください。
Please answer the question.
すぐに答えられません。
すぐにこたえられません。
I can't answer right away.
正しく答えました。
ただしくこたえました。
I answered correctly.

Usage Notes

質問に答える = answer a question. Uses に, not を.

Related Verbs

聞くto listen / to ask話すto speak / to talk
All Japanese Verbs →Grammar Guides →Word Dictionary →

Practice using 答える in real conversations

Master verb conjugation naturally through AI-powered Japanese scenarios.

Start Learning Free