People take breaks from work for many reasons: study, caring for family, health, relocation, a job search that took longer than planned, or a business that did not work out. Interviewers ask about a gap mostly to understand it, not to judge it.
Be honest and brief
State the reason in a sentence or two without over-apologising. For example: "I took a year out to care for a family member. That situation is settled now and I am ready to return full-time." You do not have to share private medical or family details.
Show what you did or kept up
If you took a course, freelanced, volunteered, learned a tool or kept your skills current, say so and connect it to the job. If you did none of these, that is fine too. Focus on being ready now.
Point forward
End your answer by returning to the role: what you can offer and why you are keen on it. This is the part the interviewer will remember.
Handle the resume side
Do not invent dates or stretch employment to hide a gap. Listing years instead of exact months is fine where it is accurate. A short line in the resume such as "Career break (family care), 2023 to 2024" can prevent the question coming as a surprise.
Practise once aloud
Say your answer in front of a friend or use JobPilot's interview practice. The goal is a calm, steady answer you do not have to think hard about on the day.