How to Say "responds" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “responds” is “contesta” — use 'contesta' when referring to answering questions, emails, or messages, emphasizing the act of providing a reply..
contesta
/kon-TES-ta//konˈtesta/
Examples
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.
responde
rreh-SPOHN-deh/resˈpon.de/
Examples
Mi jefe nunca responde mis correos rápidamente.
My boss never answers my emails quickly.
¡Responde ahora! No tenemos todo el día.
Answer now! We don't have all day.
La niña responde a todas las preguntas con mucha confianza.
The girl answers all the questions with a lot of confidence.
Who is 'Responde'?
'Responde' is the verb form used when the person doing the action is 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or the formal 'you' (usted). It is also the informal command for 'Answer!'
Direct Command
When giving a direct, informal order to one person, you use 'responde' (e.g., ¡Responde la pregunta!). For formal commands, you would use 'responda'.
Contesta vs. Responde
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.