目錄
“質問に答える” and “期待に応える” can both be translated as “to respond” in English, but they deal with different things in Japanese. A question requires an answer, so “答える” is used. Expectations, requests and trust require action or results, so “応える” is used instead.
When a shop announcement says, “お客様のご要望にお応えして、営業時間を延長しました,” it means the business did more than simply receive customer feedback. It actually extended its opening hours. If the business is still discussing how to improve its service, it would normally use an expression such as “意見を受けて検討する” rather than claiming that it has already “応えた” to the request.
“〜に応えて” frequently appears in product descriptions, event announcements, work reports and sports news. To distinguish between “答える,” “応える,” “応じる” and “報いる,” first check whether the preceding noun requires an answer, cooperation, a result or repayment.
What Does “〜に応えて” Mean in Japanese? Taking Action in Response to Expectations and Needs
“〜に応えて” means responding to someone’s expectations, requests, wishes, trust or needs by taking action that satisfies them. Depending on the context, it can be translated as “in response to,” “to meet,” “to fulfil” or “to live up to.”
The noun before it is usually something such as 期待, 要望, ニーズ, 信頼 or 声援. These nouns represent a request from others or an expectation placed on a person or organization. The following clause then explains the action, continued effort or result produced in order to meet that expectation.
For this reason, “〜に応えて” means more than simply receiving feedback or giving a verbal reply. If an organization has received an opinion but has not yet completed any changes, it can use expressions such as “意見を受けて検討する,” “利用者の声を聞く” or “改善方法を検討する.” It would be inappropriate to say that it has already “要望に応えた.”
How Is “〜に応えて” Formed? Sentence Patterns and Common Combinations
“〜に応えて” follows a noun. Its basic structure is “noun＋に応えて＋action or result.” The noun before it normally represents an expectation or need that should be fulfilled, realized or properly addressed.
“応える” can also directly modify a noun in the form “noun＋に応える＋noun.” When describing a completed response, use “noun＋に応えた＋noun.”
| Structure | Main Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun＋に応えて＋verb | Responds to the preceding item by taking action | 要望に応えて改善する |
| Noun＋に応える＋noun | Describes a person or thing capable of meeting a need | ニーズに応える商品 |
| Noun＋に応えた＋noun | Describes a result that has already met a need | 期待に応えた成果 |
| Noun＋に応えるために | Expresses the purpose of an action | 信頼に応えるために努力する |
| Noun＋に応えられるよう | Expresses the goal of meeting expectations | 期待に応えられるよう頑張る |
| ご＋noun＋にお応えして | Polite and formal announcement style | ご要望にお応えして延長する |
Common nouns used with “応える” include:
- 期待に応える: to live up to expectations
- 要望に応える: to meet a request
- 希望に応える: to fulfil a wish
- ニーズに応える: to meet a need
- リクエストに応える: to respond to a request
- 声に応える: to respond to people’s opinions or calls
- 信頼に応える: to live up to someone’s trust
- 声援に応える: to respond to support through one’s performance
- 支持に応える: to respond to support with results
What Does “ご要望にお応えして” Mean? A Common Polite Expression in Business Announcements
Shops, companies and event organizers frequently use “ご要望にお応えして.” The noun 要望 takes the polite prefix ご to show respect for requests made by customers or audiences. “お応えして” uses the humble pattern “お＋verb stem＋する,” presenting the company’s action as a respectful response to the other party’s request.
Example:皆様のご要望にお応えして、限定商品を再販売いたします。
Kana: みなさまのごようぼうにおこたえして、げんていしょうひんをさいはんばいいたします。
Translation: In response to your requests, we will be bringing the limited-edition product back on sale.
Business announcements commonly use this form to present the renewed sale as a response to customer demand.
There is no need to deliberately use “お応えして” in an ordinary conversation between friends.
△ 友達のリクエストにお応えして、店を予約した。
✅ 友達のリクエストに応えて、店を予約した。
The first sentence is not grammatically incorrect, but it sounds like a corporate announcement, television introduction or an intentional imitation of formal promotional language. In ordinary conversation, “応えて” sounds more natural.
How Do You Choose the Correct Kanji for “こたえる”? “答える,” “応える” and Hiragana
The word “こたえる” is written differently depending on its meaning.
質問に答える: to answer a question
期待に応える: to live up to expectations
寒さが身にこたえる: the cold takes a physical toll
“寒さが身にこたえる” means that an external stimulus has a noticeable and unpleasant effect on the body or mind. Dictionaries may also list this meaning under “応える,” but general writing often uses hiragana to avoid confusion with the meaning of responding to expectations.
Three Uses of “〜に応えて／〜に応える”: Needs, Expectations and Service Design
“〜に応えて” is commonly used when improving services, meeting expectations and describing products or systems capable of satisfying specific needs. All three uses follow the same underlying logic: someone expresses a wish, and the following action or result addresses that wish.
Usage 1: Adjusting Services in Response to Customer or Public Demand
Shops, companies, transport providers and event organizers frequently use “〜に応えて.” The first part describes a request from customers, users or audiences, while the second part describes an actual change such as extending opening hours, adding a function, increasing the number of sessions or improving the service.
This sentence pattern presents the service change not as a unilateral decision, but as a measure taken after considering external feedback. However, the following clause must describe a real change. If the organization has only received feedback and is still studying the issue, it should not claim that it has already “応えた” to the request.
Example:お客様の要望に応えて、土曜日も営業することになりました。
Kana: おきゃくさまのようぼうにこたえて、どようびもえいぎょうすることになりました。
Translation: In response to customer requests, we have decided to open on Saturdays as well.
Customers asked for an additional business day, and the shop responded by adjusting its opening schedule.
Example:利用者の声に応えて、文字の大きさを変更できるようにしました。
Kana: りようしゃのこえにこたえて、もじのおおきさをへんこうできるようにしました。
Translation: In response to user feedback, we added the ability to change the text size.
Users reported difficulty reading the text, and the following clause explains the specific improvement.
Example:多くのリクエストに応えて、追加公演を行うことになりました。
Kana: おおくのリクエストにこたえて、ついかこうえんをおこなうことになりました。
Translation: In response to the large number of requests, an additional performance will be held.
This expression is common in announcements for concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions, and it also conveys gratitude for the audience’s support.
Usage 2: Living Up to Expectations, Trust or Support
“期待に応える” and “信頼に応える” describe a situation in which expectations or trust have been placed in someone, and that person responds through effort, attitude or results.
This use is common in work, sports, education and public speeches. The following clause does not always have to describe a successful outcome. It can also describe continued effort made in order to meet expectations.
Example:家族の期待に応えるために、毎日練習を続けています。
Kana: かぞくのきたいにこたえるために、まいにちれんしゅうをつづけています。
Translation: I continue practising every day so that I can live up to my family’s expectations.
The expectations have not yet been fully realized, but they have become the reason for continued action.
Example:監督の期待に応えて、若い選手が重要な場面で得点しました。
Kana: かんとくのきたいにこたえて、わかいせんしゅがじゅうようなばめんでとくてんしました。
Translation: The young player lived up to the coach’s expectations by scoring at a crucial moment.
The player responded to the coach’s trust through an actual result in the match.
Example:皆様の信頼に応えられるよう、一件ずつ丁寧に対応いたします。
Kana: みなさまのしんらいにこたえられるよう、いっけんずつていねいにたいおういたします。
Translation: We will handle each case carefully so that we can continue to deserve your trust.
Companies and professional service providers often use this expression to show that they will maintain customer trust through their work.
Usage 3: Describing Products, Services or Systems That Meet a Need
The pattern “noun＋に応える＋noun” turns “responding to a need” into a characteristic of the following noun. This form is common in product descriptions, proposals, public services and corporate copy.
It does not necessarily describe a single completed response. Instead, it indicates that the product, service or system is capable of satisfying a particular need.
Example:幅広いニーズに応える宿泊プランを用意しています。
Kana: はばひろいニーズにこたえるしゅくはくプランをよういしています。
Translation: We offer accommodation plans designed to meet a wide range of needs.
The accommodation plans can serve different budgets, group sizes and travel purposes.
Example:地域の期待に応える図書館を目指しています。
Kana: ちいきのきたいにこたえるとしょかんをめざしています。
Translation: We aim to become a library that meets the expectations of the local community.
The library must provide spaces, resources and activities that meet residents’ needs.
Example:現場の声に応える制度が必要です。
Kana: げんばのこえにこたえるせいどがひつようです。
Translation: A system that responds to feedback from people working on the ground is needed.
The system should not be designed only by management. It must also address problems that arise in actual working conditions.
What Is the Difference Between “声に応える” and “意見を反映する”?
“声に応える” means taking measures in response to another party’s opinions or demands. It gives the impression that the service provider actively receives and addresses the need.
“意見を反映する” means incorporating an opinion into a plan, design or system. It does not necessarily mean that the person’s request has been fully satisfied. It only indicates that the opinion influenced the result.
Example:
利用者の声に応えて、新しい機能を追加しました。
Kana: りようしゃのこえにこたえて、あたらしいきのうをついかしました。
Translation: In response to user feedback, we added a new feature.
The new feature directly satisfies a need expressed by users.
Example:
利用者の意見を反映して、画面のデザインを変更しました。
Kana: りようしゃのいけんをはんえいして、がめんのデザインをへんこうしました。
Translation: We revised the interface design to reflect user feedback.
The feedback was incorporated into the revision process, but the result does not necessarily follow every request exactly.
If the organization has only received the opinion and has not yet decided whether to make changes, it can say:
✅ 利用者の意見を受けて、改善方法を検討しています。
We are currently considering possible improvements after receiving user feedback. At this stage, the need has not yet been satisfied, so it would be inappropriate to write “意見に応えて改善しました.”
Differences Between “応える,” “答える,” “応じる” and “報いる”
All four verbs may be related to the English idea of “responding,” but they take different objects and describe different actions.
“答える” deals with questions and inquiries. “応える” meets expectations and needs. “応じる” means accepting a request or invitation, or adapting to a situation. “報いる” means repaying kindness, effort or support.
| Point of Comparison | 応える | 答える | 応じる | 報いる |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | こたえる | こたえる | おうじる | むくいる |
| Core meaning | To meet or respond to expectations | To answer a question | To accept, comply or adapt | To repay or reward |
| Common preceding nouns | Expectations, requests, needs, trust, voices | Questions, inquiries, calls | Requests, demands, invitations, situations | Kindness, effort, expectations, support |
| Common following content | Action, results, improvement | Answers, replies | Acceptance, attendance, adjustment | Results, repayment, recognition |
| Main nuance | Fulfilling a hope or need | Providing an answer | Cooperating with a request | Repaying what someone has given |
| Common contexts | Services, work, sports | Questions, examinations, interviews | Formal requests, invitations, changing conditions | Gratitude, kindness, long-term support |
The Difference Between “応える” and “答える”: Results Versus Answers
“答える” is used to answer questions, examination items and inquiries. The other person needs an answer, so the speaker responds through words or writing.
The noun before “応える” is an expectation, need or form of trust. The other person is not looking for a verbal answer, but for an action or result that fulfils the expectation.
Example:
記者の質問に答えました。
Kana: きしゃのしつもんにこたえました。
Translation: I answered the reporter’s question.
The reporter asked a specific question, and the interviewee supplied an answer.
Example:
ファンの期待に応えました。
Kana: ファンのきたいにこたえました。
Translation: They lived up to the fans’ expectations.
The fans were waiting for a performance or result, not a spoken answer.
When directly answering a question asked by someone, the basic form is “質問に答える.” “質問に応える” is generally not used for an ordinary question-and-answer exchange. Instead, it may indicate that research, a policy, a product or a broader action addresses the issue behind a question. For example, “この研究は長年の質問に応えるものだ” focuses on whether the research findings resolve a long-standing question, rather than on someone giving an immediate verbal answer.
The Difference Between “応える” and “応じる”: Meeting a Need Versus Accepting a Request
“応える” indicates that the resulting action or outcome satisfies a need. “応じる” focuses on accepting another person’s request, invitation, demand or conditions. It does not necessarily mean that the person’s expectations were fully satisfied.
Example:
顧客の要望に応えて、商品を改善しました。
Kana: こきゃくのようぼうにこたえて、しょうひんをかいぜんしました。
Translation: We improved the product in response to customer needs.
The product improvement directly satisfies the customers’ request.
Example:
顧客の依頼に応じて、資料を送付しました。
Kana: こきゃくのいらいにおうじて、しりょうをそうふしました。
Translation: We sent the materials at the customer’s request.
The company accepted and carried out a specific request. The focus is on cooperation.
Both “要望に応える” and “要望に応じる” can be used, but they view the situation from different angles.
要望に応える: to produce a result that satisfies the need
要望に応じる: to accept the request and take the corresponding action
“〜に応じて” can also mean adjusting something according to changing conditions.
Example:
人数に応じて、部屋の広さを選べます。
Kana: にんずうにおうじて、へやのひろさをえらべます。
Translation: You can choose the size of the room according to the number of people.
This does not describe responding to someone’s expectations. It means adjusting the room selection according to the number of people.
The Difference Between “応える” and “報いる”: Meeting Expectations Versus Repaying Support
“応える” means producing an action or result that meets expectations. “報いる” means repaying or rewarding something another person has previously given, such as kindness, effort, support or trust.
Example:
監督の期待に応えて、試合で活躍しました。
Kana: かんとくのきたいにこたえて、しあいでかつやくしました。
Translation: The player lived up to the coach’s expectations by performing well in the match.
The focus is on the performance matching the coach’s original expectations.
Example:
応援してくれた人たちの期待に報いるため、最後まで戦いました。
Kana: おうえんしてくれたひとたちのきたいにむくいるため、さいごまでたたかいました。
Translation: I fought until the end to repay the expectations and support of those who cheered for me.
“報いる” adds the sense of repaying the support and effort given by others.
Both “期待に応える” and “期待に報いる” are natural, but their nuances differ. The former focuses on whether the result meets expectations. The latter presents the result as a form of repayment to the supporters.
“恩” is generally used with “報いる.”
✅ 恩に報いる
To repay someone’s kindness.
△ 恩に応える
The meaning is understandable, but it is generally less natural than “恩に報いる.”
Comparing “答える,” “応える,” “応じる” and “報いる” in the Same Event Situation
Suppose an event organizer receives questions, requests and support from participants. Each of the four verbs handles a different part of the situation.
Example:
参加者の質問に答えました。
Kana: さんかしゃのしつもんにこたえました。
Translation: We answered the participants’ questions.
The participants needed clear answers.
Example:
参加者の要望に応えて、休憩時間を延長しました。
Kana: さんかしゃのようぼうにこたえて、きゅうけいじかんをえんちょうしました。
Translation: In response to participant requests, we extended the break.
The organizer satisfied the need through an actual adjustment.
Example:
参加者からの依頼に応じて、資料を再送しました。
Kana: さんかしゃからのいらいにおうじて、しりょうをさいそうしました。
Translation: We resent the materials at the participants’ request.
The organizer accepted and handled a specific request.
Example:
参加者の支援に報いるため、内容の改善を続けます。
Kana: さんかしゃのしえんにむくいるため、ないようのかいぜんをつづけます。
Translation: We will continue improving the content to repay the participants for their support.
The improvements are presented as a way of repaying long-term support.
First check what the other party has provided:
They asked a question and need an answer: use “答える.”
They expressed an expectation or need and require a result: use “応える.”
They made a request or invitation and require acceptance or cooperation: use “応じる.”
They gave kindness, support or effort and deserve repayment: use “報いる.”
“〜に応えて” in Japanese Service Announcements: Shops, Hotels and Exhibitions
When travelling in Japan, “〜に応えて” is most commonly seen in announcements from hotels, exhibitions, shops and transport services. Extended opening hours, renewed product sales and additional shuttle services may all be introduced with “皆様のご要望にお応えして.”
This phrasing explains the reason for the change while also showing customers that their feedback has actually been handled. However, if the announcement describes no specific change and only says that the company has heard the feedback, “応える” may sound empty.
Situation 1: An Exhibition Adds Evening Opening Hours
Visitors want to attend after work, so the exhibition extends its opening hours. This fits the use of “〜に応えて.”
A: 金曜日は夜も入館できますか。
きんようびはよるもにゅうかんできますか。
Can I enter the exhibition on Friday evening as well?
B: 皆様のご要望にお応えして、金曜日は午後八時まで開館しています。
みなさまのごようぼうにおこたえして、きんようびはごごはちじまでかいかんしています。
In response to your requests, we are open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays.
📌 Grammar point: Visitors requested longer opening hours, and the exhibition responded by making an actual operational change.
Situation 2: A Hotel Adds More Shuttle Bus Services
Guests report that the original schedule is insufficient, so the hotel adds more shuttle services. The following clause describes a direct response to the need.
A: 駅からの送迎バスは増えましたか。
えきからのそうげいバスはふえましたか。
Have more shuttle buses from the station been added?
B: お客様の声に応えて、夕方の便を二便追加しました。
おきゃくさまのこえにこたえて、ゆうがたのびんをにびんついかしました。
In response to customer feedback, we added two evening services.
📌 Grammar point: “お客様の声” represents guest feedback, while adding services is the concrete improvement.
Situation 3: Explaining a Feature Improvement in a Work Report
After users report that the interface is difficult to use, the team changes its design. “意見に応えて” can therefore be used.
A: 今回の更新では、どこを改善しましたか。
こんかいのこうしんでは、どこをかいぜんしましたか。
What was improved in this update?
B: 利用者の意見に応えて、案内画面を分かりやすくしました。
りようしゃのいけんにこたえて、あんないがめんをわかりやすくしました。
In response to user feedback, we made the guidance screen easier to understand.
📌 Grammar point: The team did more than receive the feedback. It completed a specific adjustment based on it.
Cultural Notes
Japanese business announcements frequently use “ご要望にお応えして” to explain the renewed sale of a product, the addition of performances or an extension of business hours. This wording connects the change with customer support and also conveys gratitude.
“期待に応える” is normally positive, but it may also create pressure. A person who receives expectations must prove themselves through results, so the phrase frequently appears in sports reports, workplace evaluations and school settings.
In service announcements, “応える” works best when paired with a clear change. Writing only “皆様の声に応えます” without explaining what has been added or improved can sound like a generic advertising slogan.
Comparing Japanese “〜に応えて” with Korean “부응하다” and “반영하다”
Korean does not have a single verb that covers every use of the Japanese “応える.” When responding to expectations, “기대에 부응하다” is commonly used. Customer needs may be expressed with “요구에 부응하다,” while “의견을 반영하다” is often used when feedback is incorporated into a design or system.
“부응하다” has a relatively formal tone and commonly appears in news reports, work reports, corporate statements and public speeches. In everyday conversation, more direct expressions are normally chosen according to the situation.
Example:
고객의 요구에 부응해 영업시간을 연장했어요.
Romanization: go-gaeg-ui yo-gu-e bu-eung-hae yeong-eop-si-gan-eul yeon-jang-hae-sseo-yo.
Translation: We extended the opening hours in response to customer demand.
The customers expressed a need, and the shop responded by extending its hours.
Example:
팬들의 기대에 부응하는 무대를 준비했어요.
Romanization: paen-deul-ui gi-dae-e bu-eung-ha-neun mu-dae-reul jun-bi-hae-sseo-yo.
Translation: We prepared a performance that would live up to the fans’ expectations.
“기대에 부응하는” modifies the following noun and describes a performance capable of satisfying the fans’ expectations.
Example:
현장의 의견을 반영한 제도가 필요해요.
Romanization: hyeon-jang-ui ui-gyeon-eul ban-yeong-han je-do-ga pil-yo-hae-yo.
Translation: A system that reflects feedback from people working on the ground is needed.
Korean uses “반영하다” to indicate that the feedback has been incorporated into the system’s design.
◆ Difference from the Japanese “〜に応えて”:
Both the Korean “부응하다” and the Japanese “応える” can mean meeting expectations or needs, and both frequently appear in formal writing. However, when dealing with customer feedback, Korean often uses expressions such as “반영하다,” “개선하다” or “요청에 응하다,” depending on the actual action taken. Japanese “応える” can be used broadly with expectations, trust, voices, needs and requests.
When translating, do not rely only on the English word “respond.” When the preceding noun is an expectation, “기대에 부응하다” may be appropriate. When the preceding noun is an opinion and the following clause emphasizes incorporating it into a design, “의견을 반영하다” is usually more natural.
“〜に応えて” means taking action that meets an expectation, request, form of trust or need. A shop extending its opening hours, an event organizer adding another performance and an athlete producing a result can all be described using this pattern.
When you see “こたえる,” first check the noun before it. Questions and inquiries normally take “答える.” Expectations, requests and trust take “応える.” Formal requests, invitations and adjustments according to conditions often take “応じる.” Kindness and long-term support take “報いる.”
If an organization has only received feedback and has not yet completed any change, there is no need to use “応える” too early. Expressions such as “意見を受けて検討する” or “意見を反映する” may be more accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
“〜に応えて” means responding to an expectation, request, need or form of trust by taking action that satisfies it.
It is commonly translated as “in response to,” “at the request of” or “to live up to.”
It does not merely describe a verbal answer. In “顧客の要望に応えて営業時間を延長した,” the important point is that the shop actually extended its opening hours.
Common nouns include “期待,” “要望,” “希望,” “信頼,” “声,” “リクエスト,” “ニーズ,” “支持” and “呼びかけ.”
These nouns share one feature: they contain a wish, expectation or demand that can be fulfilled, realized or addressed.
Ordinary objects, places and simple facts cannot directly take “応える.”
“答える” means answering a question or inquiry. “応える” means meeting an expectation, need or form of trust.
“質問に答える” means providing an answer to a question. “期待に応える” means producing a result that proves the expectation was not misplaced.
Both verbs are pronounced “こたえる,” so the correct kanji must be selected according to the preceding noun.
No, but “質問に答える” is the most natural expression in an ordinary question-and-answer situation.
“質問に応える” occasionally appears in news headlines, lecture titles or abstract writing to indicate that something provides a comprehensive response to an important question.
When asking someone to answer a specific question or examination item, however, “答える” should still be used.
“応える” focuses on whether a need has been satisfied. “応じる” focuses on whether a request, invitation or condition has been accepted.
“要望に応えて商品を改善する” means that the product improvement satisfied the need.
“依頼に応じて資料を送る” means that the company accepted the request and sent the materials.
In addition, “人数に応じて料金が変わる” means that the price changes according to the number of people. It does not mean responding to an expectation.
“応える” means providing a performance or result that meets expectations.
“報いる” means repaying kindness, support or another person’s effort.
“期待に応える” focuses on whether the performance met expectations.
“期待に報いる” presents the result more as a way of repaying the trust and support that others have given.
Kindness normally takes “恩に報いる,” rather than the ordinary “答える.”
Yes.
“ご要望” makes the noun more respectful, while “お応えして” is a humble form of “応えて.”
This pattern frequently appears in announcements from companies, shops, hotels and event organizers, as in “皆様のご要望にお応えして、追加販売いたします.”
Among friends, “リクエストに応えて” is normally sufficient. There is no need to add “お.”
Usually not.
In expressions such as “利用者の声” and “市民の声,” “声” means opinions, requests, demands or public reactions.
“利用者の声に応える” means taking concrete action based on user feedback.
If an organization is only collecting opinions and has not yet made improvements, it can use “利用者の声を聞く” or “意見を受ける.”
“意見に応える” emphasizes that the action satisfies or addresses the need expressed by the other party.
“意見を反映する” means incorporating the opinion into a design, plan or system. It does not necessarily mean that every request was accepted.
If users ask for a text-size adjustment feature and the team actually adds it, “声に応えた” can be used.
If the team revises an interface after considering several different opinions, “意見を反映した” is usually more accurate.
No.
The completed form “期待に応えた” normally indicates that the person has already produced a result that met expectations.
“期待に応えるために努力する” and “期待に応えられるよう頑張る” describe continuing effort toward that goal, so the final result has not yet been determined.
The pattern can describe an objective and does not always mean that success has already been achieved.
Many JLPT textbooks classify “〜に応えて” as an N2 grammar pattern, although classifications may vary between teaching materials.
Test questions often require learners to distinguish between similar expressions such as “答える,” “応える” and “応じる.”
To choose correctly, first determine whether the preceding noun represents a question, an expectation, a need or a formal request.