Inklingo

How to Say "replies" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contesta

/kon-TES-ta//konˈtesta/

verbA1general
Use this word when referring to the action of someone or something responding to a question, message, or communication.
A young woman with an open hand gesture, clearly speaking or responding to a man standing opposite her who is listening intently.

Examples

Ella siempre contesta los correos electrónicos rápidamente.

She always answers the emails quickly.

Ella siempre **contesta** los correos electrónicos rápidamente.

She always answers the emails quickly.

Mi jefe nunca **contesta** mi teléfono después de las seis.

My boss never answers my phone after six.

¡**Contesta** la pregunta, por favor!

Answer the question, please!

Dual Role of 'Contesta'

This exact form is used for two very different things: 1) stating a fact about a third person ('He answers') and 2) giving a direct command to a friend ('Answer!'). Context tells you which one it is.

Regular -AR Verb

The verb 'contestar' follows the most common pattern for Spanish verbs, making it easy to conjugate once you know the -AR endings.

Using 'Responder' and 'Contestar'

Mistake: “Using 'Contestar' when 'Responder' is more common for formal replies.”

Correction: Both are interchangeable most of the time, but 'responder' is slightly more common for reactions, while 'contestar' is often used for questions, calls, or letters. Don't worry too much about the difference at first.

respuestas

res-PWEHS-tas/resˈpwes.tas/

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to the actual answers or responses given to questions, letters, emails, or messages.
A brightly colored storybook illustration showing a glowing, five-pointed star piece perfectly settling into a matching star-shaped indentation on a small, simple pedestal, symbolizing a complete answer or solution.

Examples

¿Tienes las respuestas para el ejercicio de matemáticas?

Do you have the answers for the math exercise?

Las respuestas del público a la nueva ley fueron muy variadas.

The public's responses to the new law were very varied.

Esperamos sus respuestas antes del viernes.

We await your replies before Friday.

Feminine Plural

Since the singular form (respuesta) is feminine, this plural form must always be paired with feminine words, like 'las respuestas' or 'muchas respuestas'.

Mixing Gender

Mistake: “Los respuestas”

Correction: Las respuestas. Remember that 'respuesta' ends in '-a' and is feminine, so use the feminine plural article 'las'.

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

The most common mistake is using the noun 'respuestas' when you mean the action of replying (verb). Remember, 'contesta' describes the act of answering, while 'respuestas' refers to the answers themselves.

Related Translations

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