대답하다 (dae-dap-ha-da, daedaphada) · 답하다 (dap-ha-da, daphada)
대답하다 is used mainly in everyday spoken Korean, while 답하다 is more formal and suited for written or official contexts.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To respond or reply to a question or statement, usually in spoken form.
When to use
Everyday conversation, Casual reply, Spoken Korean
The nuance
Used mainly in everyday conversation and spoken language, giving a natural and friendly tone. Used when directly replying verbally to questions.
To answer or respond formally or officially to a question or request.
When to use
Official documents, Formal situations, Written Korean
The nuance
Used mainly in written language or formal situations, often appearing in documents or official contexts. Suitable for answering questions with formality.
선생님이 질문하셨을 때 학생이 바로 대답했다.
seon-saeng-nim-i jil-mun-ha-syeoss-eul ttae hak-saeng-i ba-ro dae-dap-haess-da., seon saeng nim i jil mun ha syeoss eul ttae hak saeng i ba ro dae dap haess da.
Appropriate use of '대답하다' in a natural everyday context.
그는 이메일에 답했다.
geu-neun i-me-il-e dap-haess-da., geu neun i me il e dap haess da.
'답하다' fits formal and written contexts well, such as replying to an email.
친구가 물어본 질문에 답했다.
chin-gu-ga mul-eo-bon jil-mun-e dap-haess-da., chin gu ga mul eo bon jil mun e dap haess da.
'답하다' is too formal for casual conversations with friends; '대답하다' is natural here.
회의에서 질문에 대답했다.
hoe-ui-e-seo jil-mun-e dae-dap-haess-da., hoe ui e seo jil mun e dae dap haess da.
In meetings, when verbally responding directly, '대답하다' is acceptable.
공문서에 대답했다.
gong-mun-seo-e dae-dap-haess-da., gong mun seo e dae dap haess da.
'대답하다' is inappropriate for official documents; use '답하다' instead.
질문에 답했다.
jil-mun-e dap-haess-da., jil mun e dap haess da.
A concise, formal sentence where '답하다' is properly used.
전화 통화 중에 대답했다.
jeon-hwa tong-hwa jung-e dae-dap-haess-da., jeon hwa tong hwa jung e dae dap haess da.
In spoken contexts like phone calls, '대답하다' is natural.
Which word do you use when a friend suddenly asks a question?
Which word is appropriate when replying to an official document?
During a phone call, you ___ to a question.
