答(こた)え

こたえ
noun
answer, reply
1. answer, solution
The correct response to a question or problem. Used in academic contexts for test answers and solutions.
Please tell me the answer.
What is the answer to this problem?
答(こた)えがわかりません。
I don't know the answer.
答(こた)えは三(さん)です。
The answer is three.
Please choose the correct answer.
It took time to come up with an answer.
2. reply, response
A response to a question or inquiry in general conversation.
I gave an answer to the teacher's question.
I'm waiting for his reply.
I haven't received a reply yet.
答(こた)えは「はい」か「いいえ」でお願(ねが)いします。
Please answer with 'yes' or 'no'.

答(こた)え is the noun form of 答(こた)える (to answer). Covers both academic solutions and conversational responses.

Related words

答(こた)える: to answer, to respond

Common expressions

Compounds

Note: 回答(かいとう) is more formal; 答(こた)え is general.