How to Say To Answer in Spanish - MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, knowing how to express the action of responding or replying is crucial for effective communication in any language. The verb "to answer" plays a pivotal role in conveying thoughts and emotions. In this article, we will explore how to say "to answer" in Spanish, delve into its conjugations across different tenses, provide synonyms, and offer practical examples.
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How to Say "To Answer" in Spanish
The verb "to answer" refers to the act of responding or replying to a question, statement, or request. In Spanish, this action is expressed using the verb responder (IPA: /responˈdeɾ/). Understanding how to use and conjugate this verb is essential for effective communication.
Conjugation of Responder
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Browse all 4 volumes →The following table shows the present tense conjugation of "responder" in Spanish:
| Subject Pronoun | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | /responˈde/ | I answer |
| Tú | /responˈdes/ | You (informal) answer |
| Él/Ella/Usted | /responˈde/ | He/she/you (formal) answers |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | /responˈdemos/ | We answer |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | /responˈdeis/ | You (plural, informal) answer |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | /responˈden/ | They/you (plural, formal) answer |
Synonyms of "To Answer" in Spanish
In addition to "responder," there are several other verbs that can be used to express the act of answering:
- Contestar (IPA: /konesˈtar/): To reply or respond to a question, statement, or request.
- Reaccionar (IPA: /re̞akˈθjonar/): To react or respond to a stimulus or situation.
- Contestador (IPA: /konesˈtaðor/): One who answers or replies, often used in the context of an answering machine.
- Replicar (IPA: /re̞ˈplikaɾ/): To replicate a response or action.
- Resolverse (IPA: /reso̞lˈveɾse/): To resolve or decide on a course of action in response to a situation.
- Responder al llamado (IPA: /responˈdeɾ al ʎaˈmaðo/): To answer or respond to a call, often used in the context of emergency services.
- Rebatir (IPA: /re̞βaˈtiɾ/): To refute or contradict a statement or argument.
- Requerir respuesta (IPA: /re̞ke̞ˈriɾ ɾespwe̞sta/): To require a response, to demand an answer or reply.
Sample Sentences with "To Answer" in Spanish
To help you understand how to use "responder" and its synonyms in context:
- Puedes responder mi pregunta, por favor?
(Can you answer my question, please?)
- Ella siempre contesta sus correos electrónicos rápidamente.
(She always answers her emails promptly.)
- Necesito que me respondas antes del viernes.
(I need you to answer me before Friday.)
Common Idiomatic Expressions Related to Answering in Spanish
- Contestar a la puerta: To answer the door.
- Responder a una llamada de emergencia: To respond to an emergency call.
These expressions are commonly used in everyday Spanish and can help you sound more natural when speaking.
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