Usage of 回答
The verb 回答 (huídá) primarily means "to answer" or "to reply" and is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It can refer to answering questions, responding to phone calls, or replying to surveys and questionnaires.
Common Contexts
- Answering questions in conversations or exams.
- Responding to phone calls or messages.
- Filling out surveys or formal questionnaires.
Collocations and Patterns
- 回答问题 (huídá wèntí): to answer a question.
- 回答电话 (huídá diànhuà): to answer the phone.
- 认真回答 (rènzhēn huídá): to answer seriously or carefully.
Nuances
When using 回答, the speaker often implies a direct and clear response. It is more formal than simply saying 回 (to reply) and is suitable in academic, professional, or polite contexts. Avoid confusing 回答 with 答应 (dāying), which means "to promise" or "to agree." 回答 focuses on the act of giving an answer.
Summary
Use 回答 when you want to emphasize the act of replying or answering clearly and formally, especially in questions, surveys, or calls.