respóndeme
/respondeme/from spelling rules
The English phrase "answer me" is translated into Spanish as respóndeme.
This phrase is used as a request or a command to ask someone to provide a response to a question or a message.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the imperative verb responde (answer) and the enclitic pronoun me (me).
Which one should you use?
While respóndeme uses the informal tú form, respóndame uses the formal usted form to address someone with more respect or distance.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the imperative (command) form, the object pronoun me is attached directly to the end of the verb as a single word.
How do you pronounce it?
/respondeme/
Did you know?
- While respóndeme is the standard way to say 'answer me', Spanish speakers often use the phrase dime (literally 'tell me') when answering the phone or when someone calls their name.
- The word respuesta (answer) shares a root with the English word 'respond', but it also relates to the musical term 'responsory', a style of singing where a soloist is answered by a choir.
- In highly colloquial Caribbean Spanish, speakers might omit the final 'e' sound in respóndeme, making it sound more like respóndem', which can confuse learners expecting a clear vowel ending.
Examples in context
- ¡Tom, respóndeme!Tom, answer me!This example shows how to use respóndeme when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #2008122 by Shishir, translation #1877129 by Spamster
- Al menos respóndeme.At least answer me.Tatoeba #1805437 by Shishir, translation #9741530 by DJ_Saidez
- Respóndeme.Answer me.This example shows a direct command using respóndeme.Tatoeba #439806 by naikodemus, translation #251060 by Eldad
- Por favor, contésteme sobre el estado del proyecto.Please, answer me regarding the status of the project.
- Le agradecería si pudiera responderme cuanto antes.I would appreciate it if you could answer me as soon as possible.
- Oye, contéstame si vas a venir a la fiesta.Hey, answer me if you're coming to the party.
- No te hagas el misterioso, respóndeme de una vez.Don't play mysterious, answer me once and for all.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is trying to get Sofía's attention over the phone.
- Javier¡Sofía, respóndeme!Sofía, answer me!
- SofíaLo siento, no te escuchaba.Sorry, I couldn't hear you.
- Javier¿Estás ahí? Por favor, respóndeme.Are you there? Please, answer me.
- SofíaSí, estoy aquí ahora.Yes, I am here now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
