回答 and 回复 are both verbs that can be translated into English to mean “to answer”. Both can be used in informal/formal settings. Nonetheless, while they may seem similar, each is used in its own context and they cannot be used interchangeably. Put succinctly, 回答 means to answer (solve) a problem/question, compared to 回复 which is to reply (to a letter, message, text, WeChat message, etc.).
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回答 (huídá) |
回复 (huífù) |
Meaning |
to answer, to solve a problem |
to reply |
Part of Speech |
verb |
verb |
Formality |
flexible |
flexible |
To say “to answer” as in the solution to a problem or question use 回答.
Common Phrases
To say “to reply” a letter, message, text, WeChat message use 回答.
Common Phrases