Nihongo Master Nihongo Master
Pricing Dictionary Blog

Meaning of 応える(こたえる) in Japanese

Japanese word definition and usage

応える, 報える
Kana Reading
こたえる
Romaji
kotaeru
Word Senses
  • Parts of speech
    Ichidan verb, intransitive verb
    Meaning
    to respond; to live up to; to reward
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    to take its toll; to strike home; to have an effect on; to be hard on someone (e.g. heat, cold, work, illness, etc.); to be a strain

Example Sentences

応える, 報える, こたえる used in context

Verb Conjugations

Common conjugated forms

Non-Past

Plain
応える
Plain Polite
応えます
Negative
応えない
Negative Polite
応えません

Past

Plain
応えた
Plain Polite
応えました
Negative
応えなかった
Negative Polite
応えませんでした

Te

Plain
応えて
Plain Polite
応えまして
Negative
--
Negative Polite
--

Passive

Plain
応えられる
Plain Polite
応えられます
Negative
応えられない
Negative Polite
応えられません

Related Study Lists

Study lists that include this entry

Related Kanji

Kanji found in this word

JLPT 2

apply, answer, yes, OK, reply, accept

On: オウ, ヨウ, -ノウ

Kun: あた.る, まさに, こた.える

7 strokes

Learn more
JLPT 3

report, news, reward, retribution

On: ホウ

Kun: むく.いる

12 strokes

Learn more

Go beyond looking it up

Turn every word you look up into a word you actually know

You found the word. Now make it stick. Nihongo Master connects the dictionary directly to your personal study system so one click is all it takes.

  • Save to personal study lists
  • Drill with spaced repetition until it sticks
  • Print handwriting practice sheets
  • Test yourself with skill quizzes
  • Track progress across every word you study
Start Free 7-Day Trial

No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

Earn with Nihongo Master

Love Japanese? Share it and get paid.

Join the Nihongo Master affiliate program. Share your link and earn 30% on every payment your referrals make, for as long as they stay subscribed.

  • 30% lifetime recurring commission
  • 60-day referral cookie
  • No approval needed — start right away
  • Monthly payouts via PayPal
Learn More About the Program