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How to Say "responded" in Spanish

English → Spanish

respondido

re-spon-DEE-thoresponˈdiðo

verbA1general
Use 'respondido' for a general reaction or answer to something like an email, a question, or a previous statement, often in the past perfect tense.
A person holding a raised hand with a bright smile, having just provided an answer.

Examples

He respondido a tu correo electrónico esta mañana.

I have answered your email this morning.

¿Has respondido a la pregunta del profesor?

Have you answered the teacher's question?

Ellos todavía no han respondido a nuestra invitación.

They still haven't replied to our invitation.

The 'Haber' Rule

When you use 'respondido' with the helping verb 'haber' (like in 'he respondido'), the word 'respondido' never changes its ending, even if you are talking about multiple things or people.

The Changing Ending

Mistake:Mis preguntas han sido respondidos.

Correction: Mis preguntas han sido respondidas. When 'respondido' acts like a description (adjective), it must match the gender of the thing you are talking about.

contestó

verbA1general
Choose 'contestó' when the response is specifically to a phone call or a direct question that was asked verbally or in writing.

Examples

Ella contestó el teléfono a la primera.

She answered the phone on the first ring.

respondió

verbA1general
Use 'respondió' to indicate a reaction or answer to something that occurred, like a call, an action, or a situation, often implying a direct consequence or reply.

Examples

Ella no respondió a mi llamada.

She did not answer my call.

Choosing Between 'Contestó' and 'Respondió'

Learners often confuse 'contestó' and 'respondió'. While both can mean 'answered', 'contestó' is more specific to answering a phone or a direct question, whereas 'respondió' is broader, covering reactions to calls, actions, or situations.

Related Translations

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