responder
/rres-pon-der/
answer
When responder means 'to answer', it describes giving a reply to a question.
responder(Verb)
answer
?giving a reply to a question
,reply
?responding to a message or communication
pick up
?answering the phone (responder el teléfono)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Preposition 'A'
When answering a something (like a call or an email), Spanish often uses the preposition 'a': 'responder a la pregunta'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Responder' and 'Preguntar'
Mistake: "Using 'Pregunto una respuesta' (I ask an answer)."
Correction: Use 'Doy una respuesta' (I give an answer) or just 'Respondo' (I answer).
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Replies
In formal settings, using 'responder' feels slightly more formal and professional than 'contestar'.
When responder means 'to react', it describes how something responds to a stimulus or treatment, like a plant responding to the sun.
responder(Verb)
react
?responding to a stimulus or treatment
,be responsible for
?being held accountable for actions or damages (responder por)
answer for
?taking the blame or responsibility
,work
?function as expected (often in negative: no responde)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Responder POR (Responsibility)
When 'responder' means 'to be responsible for something,' it must be followed by the preposition 'por': 'Tú respondes por el equipo' (You are responsible for the team).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using it for Emotional Reaction
Mistake: "Using 'Respondí con tristeza' (I responded with sadness)."
Correction: For emotional reaction, use 'Reaccioné' or 'Contesté'. 'Responder' usually implies a physical or functional reaction, or a formal answer.
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Usage
This sense is often used when a system, machine, or body part fails to work or react as expected.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: responder
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'responder' in the sense of being accountable or responsible?
📚 More Resources
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.