Comparing "huida" and "huifu"

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

  • 回答问题
  • 回答正确
  • 不回答

To say “to reply” a letter, message, text, WeChat message use 回答.

Common Phrases

  • 回复我了
  • 还没回答