respuesta
/resˈpwesta/feminine
In Spanish, 'response' is translated as respuesta. Wiktionary also lists responso.
Meaning: an answer or reply (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| respuesta | /resˈpwesta/ | feminine |
| responso | /resˈponso/ | masculine |
The term respuesta is a common way to say response or answer. If you need to use a more formal synonym, you might use contestación or, in certain contexts, reacción.
Which one should you use?
Respuesta is the standard word for a reply or an answer. In contrast, responso is a specific term used in formal or religious contexts to refer to a liturgical response or a funeral service.
How does it change in a sentence?
Respuesta is a feminine noun. Its plural form is respuestas. If you wish to use the corresponding verb, use responder, which means to respond or to answer.
How do you pronounce it?
/resˈpwesta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying hacer una respuesta to mean 'to make a response'. Instead, use the standard collocation dar una respuesta, which means 'to give a response'.
Did you know?
- The word respuesta is a linguistic hybrid that grew from the verb responder but was shaped by the word puesta, which is the feminine past participle of 'to put'.
- While respuesta is the standard term, the formal synonym contestación can sometimes imply a more argumentative or confrontational reply than a simple answer.
- In Spanish legal contexts, a respuesta is often specifically termed a contestación de demanda when it serves as the formal written reply to a lawsuit.
Examples in context
- Es una buena respuesta.That's a good response.This sentence shows how to describe a good respuesta.Tatoeba #5058998 by don_ramon, translation #5058689 by CK
- ¿Cuál era la respuesta?What was the response?This sentence is useful for asking about a specific respuesta.Tatoeba #7154395 by arh, translation #4494537 by CK
- Él no dio una respuesta.He made no response.This sentence demonstrates the use of respuesta in the context of someone not providing one.Tatoeba #1335550 by marcelostockle, translation #510864 by wma
- Gracias por tu respuesta oportuna.Thank you for your prompt response.
- Estamos a la espera de su contestación formal antes del 31 de enero.We are awaiting your formal response by January 31st.
- Necesitamos conocer su reacción ante esta propuesta.We need to know your response to this proposal.
- No puedo esperar a que me contestes.I can't wait for your response.
- Responda lo antes posible, por favor.Please respond as soon as possible.
- No te olvides de responder a mi mensaje.Don't forget to respond to my message.
- Esperamos que pronto des respuesta a nuestra solicitud.We hope you will soon respond to our request.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a job application.
- Mateo¿Tienes noticias del trabajo?Do you have news about the job?
- ElenaNo, aún no tengo una respuesta.No, I don't have a response yet.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Elena.Don't worry, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo.Thanks, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “response” translations and entries respuesta, responso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries responso, respuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
