responde
/rreh-SPOHN-deh/
answers
Responde (answers): The student answers the teacher's question.
responde(verb (conjugated))
answers
?He/She/It answers (or formal You answer)
,responds
?He/She/It responds
reply
?As a command: 'Answer!'
📝 In Action
Mi jefe nunca responde mis correos rápidamente.
A1My boss never answers my emails quickly.
¡Responde ahora! No tenemos todo el día.
A1Answer now! We don't have all day.
La niña responde a todas las preguntas con mucha confianza.
A2The girl answers all the questions with a lot of confidence.
💡 Grammar Points
Who is 'Responde'?
'Responde' is the verb form used when the person doing the action is 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or the formal 'you' (usted). It is also the informal command for 'Answer!'
Direct Command
When giving a direct, informal order to one person, you use 'responde' (e.g., ¡Responde la pregunta!). For formal commands, you would use 'responda'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Contestar vs. Responder
While both mean 'to answer,' 'responder' often implies a more thoughtful or direct reaction, whereas 'contestar' is sometimes used for simple, quick answers or tests.
Responde (reacts): The boy reacts with surprise when the butterfly lands on him.
responde(verb (conjugated))
reacts
?A system or person reacts to something
functions
?A machine operates or works
📝 In Action
El coche responde muy bien al acelerar en la autopista.
B1The car responds very well when accelerating on the highway.
El paciente no responde a los medicamentos.
B2The patient is not reacting to the medications.
💡 Grammar Points
Responding to Stimuli
When talking about how a non-human thing (like a medicine, machine, or environment) handles a situation, 'responde' means it reacts or performs in a certain way.
Responde (is responsible for): The person is responsible for the building, holding the key.
responde(verb (conjugated))
is responsible for
?Has accountability
answers for
?Takes the blame or credit
📝 In Action
El gerente responde por la seguridad de todos los empleados.
B2The manager is responsible for the safety of all employees.
La empresa responde con todo su capital si hay pérdidas.
C1The company answers with all its capital if there are losses.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Por' for Responsibility
When 'responder' means 'to be responsible for,' it is always followed by the preposition 'por' (e.g., Responde por el daño = He is responsible for the damage).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: responde
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'responde' to mean 'is accountable'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'responder' and 'contestar'?
Both mean 'to answer.' 'Contestar' is often used for simple answers, like answering a test question or a basic yes/no. 'Responder' is often preferred for more complex replies, formal communication, or when referring to reaction/accountability.
How do I know if 'responde' is a command or a statement?
The context usually makes it clear! If it has exclamation marks and is directed at 'tú' (informal you), it's likely a command (¡Responde!). If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted,' it's a statement about what they are doing (Ella responde con calma).