answer
N4- Onyomi
- トウ
- Kunyomi
- こた(える)
- Stroke count
- 12
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 答 down and you get 竹 (bamboo) — two bamboo stalks with their leaves, and beside it 合 (fit / combine) — a lid come down flush on its pot. Picture two bamboo stalks with their segments, put 答 inside it, and let that scene stand for "answer" — answer. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は12画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 12 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
答申
toushin
report (to authority)
答えて
kotaete
answer — te-form
答える
kotaeru
to answer
答えます
kotaemasu
answer — polite present
答申する
toushinsuru
to do report (to authority)
答申した
toushinshita
plain past: did report (to authority)
Example sentences (3)
先生の質問に答えました。
せんせい の しつもん に こたえました。
sensei no shitsumon ni kotaemashita.
I answered the teacher's question.
分からないときは、無理に答えなくてもいいです。
わからない とき は、むり に こたえなくて も いい です。
wakaranai toki wa, muri ni kotaenakute mo ii desu.
When you do not know, you do not have to force an answer.
先生の質問に答えます。
せんせい の しつもん に こたえます。
sensei no shitsumon ni kotaemasu.
I answer the teacher's question.