contéstalo
/kontestalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "answer it" is translated into Spanish as contéstalo.
The phrase is used as a command to tell someone to provide an answer to something, such as a question or a phone call.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb contesta (answer/respond) and the object pronoun lo (it/him).
Which one should you use?
The form contéstalo is the informal imperative used with tú, whereas contéstelo is the formal imperative used with usted.
How does it change in a sentence?
The stress falls on the third-to-last syllable es because the object pronoun lo is attached to the imperative form. Use contéstala instead of contéstalo if the thing being answered is a feminine noun, such as la pregunta (the question).
How do you pronounce it?
/kontestalo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if you 'answer' someone by talking back rudely or arguing, you are contestando. The word describes both a neutral reply and a defiant act of talking back to an authority figure.
- If you are answering a door instead of a phone, Spanish speakers often use the verb abrir (to open) rather than contestar. You would say ábrele to mean 'answer it' or 'open it' for the person at the door.
- While contéstalo is the direct translation, Spanish speakers often use atender when telling someone to 'answer' a phone call. This literally means to 'attend to' or 'take care of' the phone.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría responder a esta pregunta, por favor?Could you answer this question, please?
- Por supuesto, contéstelo ahora mismo.Of course, answer it right away.
- ¿Puedes responder a este mensaje, por favor?Can you answer this message, please?
- Claro, respóndelo enseguida.Sure, reply to it right away.
- ¿Puedes contestar a esta pregunta, por favor?Can you answer this question, please?
- ¡Claro, contéstala ya mismo!Of course, answer it right now!
- Suena el teléfono, contéstalo.The phone is ringing, answer it.
- Es un mensaje importante, contéstalo ahora.It is an important message, answer it now.
- Si es un correo de trabajo, contéstalo.If it is a work email, answer it.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are at home when the phone rings.
- MaríaAlejandro, suena tu teléfono.Alejandro, your phone is ringing.
- AlejandroNo sé quién es.I don't know who it is.
- MaríaContéstalo, puede ser tu madre.Answer it, it might be your mother.
- AlejandroEstá bien, lo haré.Okay, I will do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
