respuesta
/res-PWES-tah/
answer
In its most common usage, respuesta means 'answer' or 'reply' to a question or message.
📝 In Action
Todavía estoy esperando una respuesta.
A1I'm still waiting for an answer.
¿Cuál es la respuesta a la pregunta número cinco?
A2What is the answer to question number five?
Gracias por tu rápida respuesta a mi correo.
A2Thank you for your quick reply to my email.
💡 Grammar Points
It's a Feminine Noun
Always remember that 'respuesta' is a feminine word, so you'll use 'la respuesta' (the answer) or 'una respuesta' (an answer).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'responder'
Mistake: "Yo soy respuesta a tu pregunta."
Correction: Yo respondo a tu pregunta. 'Respuesta' is the thing you give (a noun), while 'responder' is the action you do (a verb).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'en respuesta a'
This phrase is a great way to sound more formal in emails or letters. It means 'in response to...'. For example: 'En respuesta a su correo, le informo que...' (In response to your email, I am writing to inform you that...)
When referring to a complex situation, respuesta means 'solution' or 'resolution' to a problem.
respuesta(Noun)
solution
?to a problem
resolution
?of a conflict
,key
?figurative, as in 'the key to success'
📝 In Action
La respuesta al problema es más sencilla de lo que parece.
B1The solution to the problem is simpler than it seems.
Necesitamos una respuesta efectiva a la crisis económica.
B2We need an effective response to the economic crisis.
La diplomacia es la única respuesta posible en este conflicto.
B2Diplomacy is the only possible solution in this conflict.
⭐ Usage Tips
More Than Just Words
In this sense, 'respuesta' isn't just a verbal answer, but an action or a plan that solves something. Think of it as the 'answer' to a difficult situation, not just a question.
Respuesta can also refer to a sharp, aggressive, or witty 'retort' or 'comeback' in an argument.
respuesta(Noun)
retort
?a sharp, angry, or witty reply
rejoinder
?a reply in a debate
,comeback
?informal
📝 In Action
No esperaba una respuesta tan agresiva de su parte.
B2I didn't expect such an aggressive retort from him.
Su respuesta ingeniosa dejó a todos sin palabras.
C1His witty comeback left everyone speechless.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
This meaning of 'respuesta' depends heavily on the tone. Adjectives like 'agresiva' (aggressive), 'rápida' (quick), or 'ingeniosa' (witty) help show you mean 'retort' or 'comeback'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: respuesta
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'respuesta' to mean a 'solution'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'respuesta' and 'contestación'?
They are very similar and often interchangeable for 'answer' or 'reply'. However, 'respuesta' is much more common and can also mean 'solution'. 'Contestación' is used almost exclusively for a direct reply to a question, letter, or call.
How do I say 'to answer' in Spanish?
The verb is 'responder'. Remember, 'respuesta' is the thing (the noun), and 'responder' is the action (the verb). For example: 'Yo respondo' (I answer), 'Necesito una respuesta' (I need an answer).