Inklingo

How to Say "respond" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conteste

/kohn-TEHS-teh//konˈteste/

verbB1
Use 'conteste' when referring to the act of reacting to something, such as a message or a situation, especially in a more general or less direct command context.
A person holding a green telephone receiver to their ear with a friendly expression.

Examples

Dudo que él conteste mi correo hoy.

I doubt that he will answer my email today.

Por favor, conteste la pregunta.

Please, answer the question.

Espero que ella me conteste pronto.

I hope she replies to me soon.

When to use 'conteste'

This is a special form of the verb 'contestar'. You use it when you are giving a polite instruction to someone you call 'usted', or when you are talking about a wish, doubt, or hypothetical situation after the word 'que'.

Don't confuse with 'contesta'

Mistake: “Using 'contesta' when you want to be polite.”

Correction: Use 'conteste' for polite requests (usted). 'Contesta' is only for close friends and family (tú).

responda

reh-SPON-dah/resˈponda/

verbA1formal
Use 'responda' primarily as a formal command or suggestion, directly telling someone to answer or reply to a specific question or request.
A simple colorful illustration showing two stylized characters facing each other. One character is standing expectantly, and the second character is clearly speaking, with a solid, colorful sound wave emanating from their mouth towards the first character, illustrating a response.

Examples

Por favor, responda a mi pregunta de inmediato.

Please, answer my question immediately. (Formal command)

Espero que ella responda al correo antes del mediodía.

I hope that she answers the email before noon. (Expressing a wish)

No creo que el jefe responda a esa crítica.

I don't believe the boss will respond to that criticism. (Expressing doubt)

Formal Commands (Usted)

'Responda' is the polite way to give a direct order to a single person you don't know well (using the 'usted' form). It means 'You must answer!'

The Subjunctive Mood

'Responda' is also used when expressing a wish, doubt, emotion, or necessity about someone else's action, usually after connecting words like 'que' (that). For example: 'Quiero que responda' (I want him/her/you to answer).

Mixing Command Forms

Mistake: “Using 'responde' for a formal command (Usted).”

Correction: Use 'responda' for formal commands and 'responde' only for informal commands ('tú'). Remember that formal commands borrow the '-a' ending from '-er' verbs.

Command vs. Reaction

The most common mistake is using 'conteste' when a direct, formal command is intended, or conversely, using 'responda' for a general reaction. Remember 'responda' is a formal command, while 'conteste' is more about the act of responding.

Related Translations

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