Meanings of 答
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About 答
Podcast: 答
Podcast: 答
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AI Study Notes for 答
回答 (huídá) vs 答复 (dáfù) — use 答 when emphasizing a direct answer or response, whereas 回答 is more general and can imply explaining or elaborating, and 答复 is typically used in formal contexts like written communication.
Learners often confuse 答 with 回 (huí), which also means 'to reply', but 答 is more direct and formal. This character is commonly used in phrases such as 答案 (dá'àn), meaning 'answer' or 'solution'. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words.
While 答 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is important for learners aiming for conversational fluency. Connecting it to related verbs like 回答 (huídá, to answer) can enhance understanding. Focus on using it in practical sentence structures to improve retention.
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 答 when they mean to say 'to return' in a different context, confusing it with 回 (huí). For example, saying '我答这个书' instead of '我还这个书' (Wǒ hái zhège shū, meaning 'I return this book').
Pronunciation of 答
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Etymology of 答
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. The significance of the ⺮ (bamboo) component is unclear.
Origin
What kind of character is 答?
Decomposition of 答
Parts
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How to say to answer in Chinese
“to answer” in Chinese is答
The character 答 (dā) primarily means 'to answer' or 'to reply'. It is commonly used in contexts such as responding to questions or acknowledging statements. The nuance of this character encompasses agreement and returning information, making it versatile in both formal and informal communication.
When to use 答
Learners often confuse 答 with 回 (huí), which also means 'to reply', but 答 is more direct and formal. This character is commonly used in phrases such as 答案 (dá'àn), meaning 'answer' or 'solution'. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words.
答 or something close to it
回答 (huídá) vs 答复 (dáfù) — use 答 when emphasizing a direct answer or response, whereas 回答 is more general and can imply explaining or elaborating, and 答复 is typically used in formal contexts like written communication.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 答 when they mean to say 'to return' in a different context, confusing it with 回 (huí). For example, saying '我答这个书' instead of '我还这个书' (Wǒ hái zhège shū, meaning 'I return this book').
Write 答
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Practice writing 答 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 答
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 8 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.
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同学们首先读了一遍课文，然后认真地回____了黑板上的问题。
The students first read through the text once, then carefully answered the questions on the blackboard.
Common Confusions with 答
Same pronunciation but different meaning and usage.
Which one
Which one means “to answer”?
Example Sentences for 答 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 答
In Chinese culture, responding to questions or requests (答) is considered an important aspect of politeness and respect. The way one answers can reflect their understanding of social hierarchies and relationships.
Word Family of 答
Characters with 答
What does 劄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 答
Yes, 答 can be used in various contexts such as in formal conversations, casual discussions, and written communication. It can imply not just answering but also agreeing with a statement, making it versatile in usage.
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