responder
“responder” means “answer” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
answer, reply
Also: pick up
📝 In Action
¿Puedes responder la pregunta del profesor?
A1Can you answer the teacher's question?
Ella respondió rápidamente a mi correo electrónico.
A2She replied quickly to my email.
Nadie responde el teléfono en la oficina.
A2Nobody is answering the phone at the office.
react, be responsible for
Also: answer for, work
📝 In Action
El paciente no responde al tratamiento.
B1The patient is not responding to the treatment.
La empresa debe responder por los daños causados.
B2The company must be responsible for the damages caused.
Mi coche viejo ya no responde bien en las subidas.
B1My old car doesn't perform well on hills anymore.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: responder
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'responder' in the sense of being accountable or responsible?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *respondēre*, which literally meant 'to promise in return' or 'to answer a summons.' Its meaning has stayed remarkably consistent over the centuries.
First recorded: Old Spanish (around 12th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'responder' and 'contestar'?
They are often interchangeable when meaning 'to answer a question or phone call.' 'Responder' can sometimes feel slightly more formal, and it is the word you must use when talking about reacting to stimuli (like medicine) or being responsible for something.
How do I say 'I answered him'?
You can use the indirect object pronoun: 'Le respondí' (I answered him/her/it). Remember, the person receiving the answer is the indirect object.