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March 24, 2026
回答huídá(hui2da2)
回答 (huídá) means 'to reply' or 'to answer.' It is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts when responding to questions or inquiries. This verb is essential for engaging in conversations and discussions, making it a fundamental part of communication.
Strokes18Frequency#769DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, responding to questions is often seen as a sign of respect and engagement, especially in formal settings. Failing to adequately answer a question may be perceived as rudeness.
Memory Tip
Think of a friendly robot that always 'replies' with a cheerful 'hi' (hui) and a waving hand (da). The robot's two components, '回' (back) and '答' (to answer), suggest it is returning an answer to you.
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AI Study Notes for 回答
Quick Contrast
回答 (huídá) vs 答复 (dáfù) — use 回答 for direct responses to questions, while 答复 is more formal and often used in written communication.
Usage Notes
When using 回答, ensure that it is appropriate for the formality of the context. Common collocations include '回答问题' (to answer a question) and '回答电话' (to answer a phone call). Be careful with tones, as '回答' has the second tone on '回' and the second tone on '答.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 回答 connects well with other verbs related to communication, such as '问' (to ask) and '说' (to speak). Focus on practicing its usage in simple sentences to reinforce understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 回答 with '答应' (dāying), which means 'to agree' or 'to promise.' For example, saying '我回答了他的请求' (wǒ huídá le tā de qǐngqiú) incorrectly implies that you agreed rather than just answering.
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Pronunciation of 回答
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回答 (huídá) means 'to reply' or 'to answer.' It is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts when responding to questions or inquiries. This verb is essential for engaging in conversations and discussions, making it a fundamental part of communication.
When to use 回答
When using 回答, ensure that it is appropriate for the formality of the context. Common collocations include '回答问题' (to answer a question) and '回答电话' (to answer a phone call). Be careful with tones, as '回答' has the second tone on '回' and the second tone on '答.'
回答 or something close to it
回答 (huídá) vs 答复 (dáfù) — use 回答 for direct responses to questions, while 答复 is more formal and often used in written communication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 回答 with '答应' (dāying), which means 'to agree' or 'to promise.' For example, saying '我回答了他的请求' (wǒ huídá le tā de qǐngqiú) incorrectly implies that you agreed rather than just answering.
Write 回答
回
答
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Grammar Patterns of 回答
回答 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
