responde
“responde” means “answers” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
answers, responds
Also: reply
📝 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.
reacts
Also: functions
📝 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.
is responsible for
Also: answers for
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: responde
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'responde' to mean 'is accountable'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *respondere*, which itself is formed by combining *re-* (meaning 'back' or 'again') and *spondere* (meaning 'to pledge' or 'to promise'). The original idea was 'to promise in return' or 'to reply to a pledge.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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).