contestar
/kontesˈtaɾ/
To talk back in Spanish is to contestar.
The verb contestar is the general term for answering, but it is used to mean talking back when the reply is impertinent or cheeky. To specifically convey the nuance of talking back in a disrespectful way, Spanish speakers often add the adverb mal (badly) to the verb, such as in the phrase no me contestes mal (don't talk back to me).
Meaning: to reply impertinently, to answer in a cheeky manner (verb)
Which one should you use?
While contestar is the general verb for answering, replicar is often used specifically to denote a sharp, argumentative or retorting reply. The noun form related to this verb is contestación, which means an answer or reply.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund form of the verb is contestando, which is used for continuous actions, such as saying someone is currently answering or replying.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontesˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb contestar is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'contest', as both stem from the Latin 'contestari', which originally meant 'to call upon as a witness'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if a child is 'talking back', a parent might say they are being respondona (for a girl) or respondón (for a boy).
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, contestar can be interpreted as an act of rebellion or lack of education, even if the answer is factually correct.
Examples in context
- No hablaré contigo si sigues contestando de forma desafianteI won't speak with you if you keep talking back
- La estudiante respondió con insolencia al profesorThe student talked back to the teacher insolently
- Deja de contestar de forma impertinenteStop talking back impertinently
- Se atrevió a responder con descaro a su hermanoHe dared to talk back audaciously to his brother
- No te atrevas a responderme con insolenciaDon't you dare talk back to me insolently
- No me vuelvas a contestar así.Don't talk back to me like that again.
Example conversation
A mother is scolding her son for his attitude.
- ElenaDaniel, deja de contestar ahora mismo.Daniel, stop talking back right now.
- DanielPero Elena, yo solo decía la verdad.But Elena, I was only telling the truth.
- ElenaNo me importa, no debes contestar.I don't care, you must not talk back.
- DanielEstá bien, lo siento mucho.Okay, I am very sorry.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry contestar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contestar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
