Réponse is the most common way to say “answer” in French. But did you know there are several other options?When you’re learning French, you'll frequently find yourself needing to ask for or provide an answer, whether in a conversation, an exam, or just daily interactions.Knowing the nuances of these different words will not only enrich your vocabulary but also make your French sound more natural.Let’s dive into 9 different ways to say “answer” in French!

The standard 'answer' (noun) – la réponse

The standard 'answer' (noun) – la réponse

La réponse is the most common and standard word for 'answer' in French, used specifically as a noun.

As a feminine noun, it appears as:la réponse - a single answer, or 'the answer'les réponses - multiple answers, or 'the answers'

This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it universally appropriate when referring to an answer.

While straightforward, it's important to remember that la réponse is exclusively a noun. It refers to the result of answering, not the act of answering itself.

When la réponse refers to the answer to a question, it is typically followed by the preposition à. For example, la réponse à la question (the answer to the question).

You'll frequently hear it in phrases like donner une réponse (to give an answer), attendre une réponse (to wait for an answer), or avoir la réponse (to have the answer).

Do not confuse la réponse (the noun) with the verb répondre, which means 'to answer' or 'to reply'. They are related but serve different grammatical functions.

For instance, if someone asks Quelle est la réponse? (What is the answer?), they are asking for the noun, the solution to a problem or question.

Fortunately, the context usually makes it clear that you are referring to a noun, an actual 'answer', rather than the action of answering.

💡 * J'attends ta réponse. (I'm waiting for your answer.)

• La réponse est non. (The answer is no.)
• Elle a trouvé la bonne réponse à la question. (She found the right answer to the question.)
• Nous n'avons pas encore de réponse. (We don't have an answer yet.)
• Peux-tu me donner une réponse rapide ? (Can you give me a quick answer?)

To 'answer' (verb) – répondre

The verb for 'to answer' in French is répondre.

Répondre is a fundamental verb used to express the act of giving an answer, replying, or responding to something or someone.

Crucially, répondre is often followed by the preposition à when referring to who or what is being answered. It is a transitive indirect verb, meaning it takes an indirect object. For example, répondre à quelqu'un (to answer someone) or répondre à une question (to answer a question).

You'll use répondre in various everyday situations, such as répondre au téléphone (to answer the phone), répondre à un email (to reply to an email), or répondre à une lettre (to answer a letter).

Répondre is a regular -RE verb, making its conjugation relatively straightforward. For instance, in the present tense: je réponds, tu réponds, il/elle/on répond, nous répondons, vous répondez, ils/elles répondent.

While it primarily means 'to answer,' répondre can also imply 'to respond' in a broader sense, such as responding to a stimulus or a call to action, though 'to answer' a question or person is its most common usage.

💡 *Je réponds à ton message tout de suite. (I'll answer your message right away.)
*Elle n'a pas répondu à ma question. (She didn't answer my question.)
*Nous devons répondre à l'appel. (We must answer the call.)
*Pouvez-vous répondre au téléphone, s'il vous plaît ? (Can you answer the phone, please?)
*Il répond toujours avec politesse. (He always answers politely.)

The 'answer' to a problem or riddle – la solution

When you're looking for the 'answer' to a problem, a riddle, or a difficult situation in French, the word you'll most commonly use is la solution.

La solution directly translates to 'the solution' in English, and it functions very similarly. It refers to the means of solving a problem or explaining something unclear.

As indicated by the article la, solution is a feminine noun in French. Its plural form is les solutions.

You'll often hear it in phrases like trouver une solution (to find a solution), proposer une solution (to propose a solution), or chercher la solution (to look for the solution).

While both la solution and la réponse can mean 'answer,' they are used in different contexts. La solution is specifically for problems, puzzles, or challenges, whereas la réponse is for questions, letters, or direct replies.

The good news for English speakers is that la solution is a very straightforward translation and concept. If you'd say 'solution' in English, you'll almost certainly use la solution in French.

💡 *Il faut trouver une solution à ce problème. (We need to find a solution to this problem.)
*La solution de l'énigme était simple. (The solution to the riddle was simple.)
*Ils ont proposé plusieurs solutions. (They proposed several solutions.)
*Je cherche la solution depuis des heures. (I've been looking for the solution for hours.)
*Existe-t-il une solution facile ? (Is there an easy solution?)

The 'answer' that clarifies or explains – l'explication

The 'answer' that clarifies or explains – l'explication. This fundamental French noun is essential for expressing clarity and understanding.

In French, l'explication directly translates to 'the explanation' or 'the clarification' in English. It refers to the act or result of making something clear or understandable.

As a feminine noun, explication is always preceded by feminine articles, such as une (an) or l' (the). For instance, you would say une bonne explication (a good explanation).

L'explication is frequently used when demanding, providing, or discussing reasons, details, or analyses for a particular event, situation, or concept. It's the go-to word for 'why' or 'how' things are.

💡 * J'attends une explication. (I'm waiting for an explanation.)

• Peux-tu me donner une explication plus claire ? (Can you give me a clearer explanation?)
• Son explication était très logique. (His/Her explanation was very logical.)
• Il n'y a pas d'explication à son comportement. (There is no explanation for his/her behavior.)

To 'answer back' or retort (verb) – rétorquer

The French verb rétorquer translates to 'to retort' or 'to answer back.' It implies a response that is often quick, sharp, or argumentative, rather than a simple reply.

Unlike the general verb répondre (to answer), rétorquer carries a specific nuance. It suggests a counter-argument, a pointed remark, or a defensive statement, typically made when someone feels challenged, provoked, or accused.

While you réponds to a question or a greeting, you rétorques to a criticism, an accusation, or a strong statement, often with an equally strong or clever comeback. It's about responding to something with an argument or a justification.

Rétorquer is a common verb in both spoken and written French, frequently appearing in contexts describing debates, disagreements, or lively conversations. It is not overly formal, making it suitable for various situations where a retort is made.

The typical construction for rétorquer is rétorquer quelque chose à quelqu'un (to retort something to someone). It functions as a transitive verb, taking a direct object (the retort itself) and an indirect object (the person to whom the retort is directed).

💡 *Elle lui a rétorqué qu'il avait tort. (She retorted to him that he was wrong.)
*Quand on l'a accusé, il n'a pas tardé à rétorquer. (When he was accused, he didn't hesitate to retort.)
*Le politicien a rétorqué aux critiques avec un sourire. (The politician retorted to the critics with a smile.)
*"C'est facile à dire !" a-t-il rétorqué. ("That's easy to say!" he retorted.)
*Ne me rétorque pas ça ! (Don't retort that to me!)

The 'quick answer' or retort (noun) – la riposte

In French, the noun la riposte refers to a quick, sharp, or decisive answer or retort. It's not just any answer, but one that often serves as a counter-argument or a comeback, typically in a debate, discussion, or conflict.

This term carries a connotation of reactiveness and often wit or cleverness. It's used when someone delivers a swift verbal counter-attack, a sharp comeback to an accusation, or a quick response to an unexpected question, aiming to defend or gain an advantage.

La riposte implies a certain force or strategic intent behind the answer. It's about delivering an impactful statement that can turn the tide of an argument or effectively shut down an opponent, much like a counter-attack in fencing or boxing.

The corresponding verb is riposter, meaning 'to retort' or 'to retaliate'. You'll often hear phrases like une riposte cinglante (a scathing retort) or une riposte du tac au tac (a quick-witted, immediate comeback), highlighting its sharp and immediate nature.

💡 * Sa riposte fut immédiate et très efficace. (His retort was immediate and very effective.)

• Elle a préparé une riposte solide à toutes leurs accusations. (She prepared a solid retort to all their accusations.)
• Face à l'attaque, sa riposte a laissé tout le monde sans voix. (Faced with the attack, his retort left everyone speechless.)
• J'attends une riposte de leur part après nos dernières déclarations. (I'm waiting for a retort from them after our last statements.)

To 'give an answer' – donner une réponse

To 'give an answer' in French is most commonly translated as donner une réponse.

This phrase is a direct and widely used way to express the act of providing an answer. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, encompassing everything from answering a question in class to responding to a proposal.

While répondre is the verb 'to answer,' donner une réponse specifically emphasizes the delivery or provision of the answer, often implying a more considered or complete response rather than just a quick reply. It highlights the noun 'réponse' (answer) itself.

💡 *Il doit donner une réponse avant la fin de la semaine. (He must give an answer before the end of the week.)
*Pouvez-vous me donner une réponse claire, s'il vous plaît ? (Can you give me a clear answer, please?)
*Elle a promis de donner une réponse à ma question demain. (She promised to give an answer to my question tomorrow.)
*Nous attendons toujours que le comité donne une réponse. (We are still waiting for the committee to give an answer.)
*C'est difficile de donner une réponse immédiate. (It's difficult to give an immediate answer.)

The 'answer' to an argument – le contre-argument

The 'answer' to an argument – le contre-argument

In French, le contre-argument (masculine noun) directly translates to 'the counter-argument' or 'the rebuttal'. It is a key term in discussions and debates.

This term is used specifically in the context of discussions, debates, or arguments to refer to a point or statement made to refute, oppose, or respond to an earlier argument. It's about intellectual opposition.

The word is a compound of contre (against) and argument, clearly indicating its function of opposing an existing point. It's a straightforward and descriptive term.

💡 * Son contre-argument était très pertinent. (His counter-argument was very relevant.)

• Je n'ai pas de contre-argument à cela. (I don't have a counter-argument to that.)
• Elle a préparé un solide contre-argument pour la réunion. (She prepared a strong counter-argument for the meeting.)
• Il a présenté un contre-argument convaincant. (He presented a convincing counter-argument.)

The 'answer' explaining why – la justification

In French, la justification refers to the reason, explanation, or evidence provided to support an action, decision, or statement. It's the 'why' behind something, often used when one needs to account for their behavior or a claim.

Derived from the verb justifier (to justify), la justification functions as the noun form. It embodies the act or result of justifying—making something right, understandable, or acceptable. Think of it as the 'proof' or 'rationale'.

In formal or administrative contexts, la justification often refers to official documents or explanations required for absences, expenses, or legal matters. For instance, a doctor's note for missing work would be une justification d'absence.

Beyond formal uses, la justification is also commonly used in everyday conversation to ask for or provide an explanation for a personal choice or action. If someone asks "Quelle est ta justification?" they are essentially asking "What's your reason?" or "Why did you do that?"

While it can sometimes translate to 'excuse,' la justification often carries a more neutral or even positive connotation of providing a valid reason, rather than merely an attempt to avoid blame. It's about explaining, not just excusing.

💡 * Je dois fournir une justification pour mon absence au travail. (I need to provide a justification for my absence from work.)

• Sa justification pour ses actions n'était pas convaincante. (His justification for his actions was not convincing.)
• Avez-vous une justification pour ce retard? (Do you have a reason/justification for this delay?)
• La justification de cette dépense est claire dans le rapport. (The justification for this expense is clear in the report.)
• Il n'y a pas de justification à un tel comportement. (There is no justification for such behavior.)

Are there other ways to say 'answer' in French?

Are there other ways to say “answer” in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say “answer” in French. But French is rich with expressions, from formal responses to informal replies, and even nuanced ways to refer to solutions or rejoinders.

You can also do an online search for “comment dire réponse en ___” followed by a specific Francophone country or region.

You might find some interesting synonyms or related phrases for réponse or répondre on this list. Of course, make sure to check a word’s definition and try to see it used in context before you use it.

Pay attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French — you may discover different ways to talk about giving an answer or receiving a response.

And if you’re looking for more nuanced ways to talk about different types of answers or the act of answering in French, the WordReference entry for répondre (the verb) or réponse (the noun) is a great place to start!

I hope you found this article helpful. Here’s a thought that resonates with the idea of answers, from Albert Camus: "Chercher ce qui est vrai n'est pas chercher ce qui est souhaitable." (To seek what is true is not to seek what is desirable.) While not directly about 'answer,' it speaks to the pursuit of clarity, which often involves finding answers.