Inklingo

How to Say "response" in Spanish

English → Spanish

respuesta

/res-PWES-tah//reˈspwesta/

nounA1general
Use 'respuesta' when you are talking about an answer to a question, a reply in a conversation, or a general reaction to something that is not necessarily immediate or physical.
A cartoon cat receiving a bright green scroll from a mouse, symbolizing a delivered answer or reply.

Examples

No he recibido respuesta de mi solicitud.

I haven't received a response to my application.

Todavía estoy esperando una respuesta.

I'm still waiting for an answer.

¿Cuál es la respuesta a la pregunta número cinco?

What is the answer to question number five?

Gracias por tu rápida respuesta a mi correo.

Thank you for your quick reply to my email.

It's a Feminine Noun

Always remember that 'respuesta' is a feminine word, so you'll use 'la respuesta' (the answer) or 'una respuesta' (an answer).

Confusing with 'responder'

Mistake: “Yo soy respuesta a tu pregunta.”

Correction: Yo respondo a tu pregunta. 'Respuesta' is the thing you give (a noun), while 'responder' is the action you do (a verb).

reacción

reh-ak-SYOHN (Spaniards often use a 'th' sound for the 'c' before 'i' or 'e', but Latin Americans use an 's' sound.)/re.akˈθjon/

nounA2general
Use 'reacción' specifically for an immediate, often involuntary or physical, action or feeling that happens as a direct result of something.
A cartoon drawing of a person quickly retracting their hand after accidentally touching a steaming hot object, showing a physical response.

Examples

Su reacción al ruido fue sobresaltarse.

His reaction to the noise was to jump.

Su primera reacción al ver el regalo fue sonreír.

Her first reaction upon seeing the gift was to smile.

La reacción del mercado ante la nueva ley fue inmediata.

The market's reaction to the new law was immediate.

Tuvimos una fuerte reacción alérgica al polen.

We had a strong allergic reaction to the pollen.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'reacción' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' before it, or feminine adjectives: 'una reacción fuerte' (a strong reaction).

Noun vs. Verb

Mistake: “Using 'reacción' when you mean the verb 'to react' (reaccionar).”

Correction: Use 'reacción' (the noun) to describe the result, and 'reaccionar' (the verb) to describe the action: 'Él reaccionó bien' (He reacted well).

Choosing Between 'Respuesta' and 'Reacción'

Learners often use 'respuesta' for any kind of response, but 'reacción' is better for immediate, instinctive actions. Remember: 'respuesta' is often a reply or an answer, while 'reacción' is more about how you physically or emotionally react to something.

Related Translations

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