replicar
“replicar” means “to answer back” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to answer back
Also: to retort, to rebut
📝 In Action
No me repliques cuando te estoy hablando.
A2Don't talk back to me when I'm speaking to you.
El abogado replicó con pruebas contundentes.
B2The lawyer rebutted with solid evidence.
Es difícil replicar a una crítica tan constructiva.
B1It is difficult to argue back against such constructive criticism.
to replicate
Also: to reproduce
📝 In Action
Los científicos no pudieron replicar los resultados del estudio.
B2Scientists were not able to replicate the results of the study.
Queremos replicar este modelo de negocio en otros países.
C1We want to replicate this business model in other countries.
Es una máquina capaz de replicar cualquier pieza.
B1It is a machine capable of replicating any part.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: replicar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'Don't talk back to me'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'replicare,' meaning 'to fold back' or 'to repeat.' The idea is that an answer is 'folded back' to the speaker, or an action is 'repeated' by folding it over.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'replicar' always rude?
Not necessarily. While it can mean 'talking back' in a sassy way, in legal or formal debates, it simply means 'to present a counter-argument.'
What is the difference between 'responder' and 'replicar'?
'Responder' is a neutral answer to a question. 'Replicar' usually implies that you are adding your own opinion or arguing against what was said.
Does it have a noun form?
Yes, 'una réplica' can mean a copy of a statue, a rebuttal in a debate, or even an aftershock of an earthquake!