contesta
kon-TES-ta
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ella siempre **contesta** los correos electrónicos rápidamente.
A1She always answers the emails quickly.
Mi jefe nunca **contesta** mi teléfono después de las seis.
A2My boss never answers my phone after six.
¡**Contesta** la pregunta, por favor!
A1Answer the question, please!
Si usted no **contesta** ahora, perderemos la oportunidad.
B1If you (formal) don't reply now, we will lose the opportunity.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role of 'Contesta'
This exact form is used for two very different things: 1) stating a fact about a third person ('He answers') and 2) giving a direct command to a friend ('Answer!'). Context tells you which one it is.
Regular -AR Verb
The verb 'contestar' follows the most common pattern for Spanish verbs, making it easy to conjugate once you know the -AR endings.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Responder' and 'Contestar'
Mistake: "Using 'Contestar' when 'Responder' is more common for formal replies."
Correction: Both are interchangeable most of the time, but 'responder' is slightly more common for reactions, while 'contestar' is often used for questions, calls, or letters. Don't worry too much about the difference at first.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Command
If you are giving an informal command to a friend ('tú'), you use '¡Contesta!'. If you are commanding someone formally ('usted'), you must change the ending: '¡Conteste!'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contesta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'contesta' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'contesta' and 'conteste'?
'Contesta' is the informal command ('tú') meaning 'Answer!' OR the statement form for 'él/ella/usted' ('He/She answers'). 'Conteste' is the formal command ('usted') meaning 'Answer!' OR the special verb form used after expressions of desire or necessity.
Can I use 'contestar' for answering the door?
Yes, you can use 'contestar la puerta' (to answer the door), though 'abrir la puerta' (to open the door) is also very common and often more direct.