Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to answer" in Korean: 대답하다
대답하다daedaphada
to answer in Korean is 대답하다 (daedaphada). 대답하다 means answer or reply; 질문에 대답해요 uses 에 with the question.
to answer: an everyday statement
질문에 대답해요.jilmune daedapaeyo.
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How to pronounce 대답하다
Say it
daedaphada
/tɛtapʰata/
Read 대답하다 as daedaphada. The spoken form 대답해요 is daedapaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to answer" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 대답하다daedaphada | to answer Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 대답해요daedapaeyo | to answer (polite present) Use 대답해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 대답해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 대답했어요daedapaesseoyo | to answer (polite past) Use 대답했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 대답했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 대답하다 in real life
- 1to answer: an everyday statement
질문에 대답해요.
jilmune daedapaeyo.
I answer the question.
대답해요 is the present form of 대답하다.
- 2to answer: a different situation
전화로 대답했어요.
jeonhwaro daedapaesseoyo.
I replied by phone.
대답했어요 is the past form of 대답하다.
- 3to answer: a question or request
바로 대답해요?
baro daedapaeyo?
Do you answer immediately?
대답해요 is the present form of 대답하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 대답하다
Incorrect: 대답하다.
Correct: 대답해요.
When practicing to answer, 대답하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 대답해요.
Incorrect: 어제 대답해요.
Correct: 어제 대답했어요.
When practicing to answer, for a completed event yesterday, use 대답했어요; the present form 대답해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
대답하다 means answer or reply; 질문에 대답해요 uses 에 with the question. 대답해요 is the polite conversational form of 대답하다; 대답했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 대답하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
질문에 대답해요.
jilmune daedapaeyo.
I answer the question.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
전화로 대답했어요.
jeonhwaro daedapaesseoyo.
I replied by phone.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
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FAQ
Common questions about "to answer" in Korean
How do I use 대답하다 in polite speech?
대답해요 is the polite conversational form of 대답하다; 대답했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 대답하다 in a past-tense sentence?
대답했어요 is the polite past form. 대답하다 means answer or reply; 질문에 대답해요 uses 에 with the question.
What does 대답해요 mean here?
대답해요 is used for to answer. For example, 질문에 대답해요. means “I answer the question.”
What should I remember about 대답하다?
대답하다 means answer or reply; 질문에 대답해요 uses 에 with the question.
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