respuesta
“respuesta” means “answer” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
answer, reply
Also: response
📝 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.
solution
Also: resolution, key
📝 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.
retort
Also: rejoinder, comeback
📝 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.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "respuesta" in Spanish:
answer→comeback→key→rejoinder→reply→resolution→response→retort→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: respuesta
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'respuesta' to mean a 'solution'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb 'respondēre', which means 'to answer' or 'to promise in return'. It's formed from 're-' (back) and 'spondēre' (to promise). So, a 'respuesta' is literally a 'promise back' to a question or statement.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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).