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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing to answer or to reply (with 说) with 回答 (huídá)

    Actions & Events
    Sequence & Order

    Structure

    Subject + 回答 + 说

    Explanation

    回答 means "to answer" or "to reply." When followed by 说, it introduces direct speech, forming the pattern "answered, saying..." This combination is common in storytelling and reported speech.

    Examples

    • 他回答说："我已经准备好了。"

      Tā huídá shuō: "Wǒ yǐjīng zhǔnbèi hǎo le."

      He replied, "I'm already ready."

    • 老师问了一个问题，小明马上回答说他知道答案。

      Lǎoshī wèn le yí gè wèntí, Xiǎo Míng mǎshàng huídá shuō tā zhīdào dá'àn.

      The teacher asked a question, and Xiao Ming immediately answered that he knew the answer.

    • 妈妈回答说今晚我们吃火锅。

      Māma huídá shuō jīnwǎn wǒmen chī huǒguō.

      Mom replied that we're having hotpot tonight.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing to answer or to reply (with 说) with 回答 (huídá) | Chinese Grammar