responder
/responˈdeɾ/
The Spanish phrase for "write back" is responder.
The verb responder is the standard way to express the action of responding or writing back to someone. In many Spanish-speaking regions, the synonym contestar is also used interchangeably to mean "to answer" or "to write back".
Which one should you use?
While responder is the standard term for responding, contestar is a very common synonym used interchangeably in many regions to mean "to answer" or "to write back".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the form Contéstame can be used to mean "Write back to me."
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "write back to him/her/you (formal)" in a natural way, you often attach the indirect object pronoun to the end of the verb, such as in the form responderle.
How do you pronounce it?
/responˈdeɾ/
Did you know?
- While contestar is a common synonym for 'write back', using it in certain contexts can imply 'talking back' or being rude to an authority figure.
- Beyond simple communication, responder can describe a person who is 'accountable' or 'responsible' for a particular action.
- In Spanish, you can use responder not just for writing, but to 'answer' a challenge or a legal summons, moving beyond simple communication.
Examples in context
- Estimado Sr. González, le agradecería si me pudiera escribir de vuelta para confirmar su asistencia a la reunión. Muchas gracias.Dear Mr. Gonzalez, I would appreciate it if you could write back to me to confirm your attendance at the meeting. Thank you very much.
- Estimada Sra. Herrera, le escribo para solicitarle información adicional sobre el proyecto. Por favor, responda a mi mensaje lo antes posible. Quedo en espera de su pronta respuesta. Saludos cordiales.Dear Mrs. Herrera, I am writing to request additional information about the project. Please respond to my message as soon as possible. I look forward to your prompt response. Best regards.
- ¡Hola Ana! Espero que estés bien. Solo quería comentarte sobre nuestro próximo encuentro. Escríbeme de vuelta cuando puedas para coordinar los detalles. ¡Un abrazo!Hi Ana! I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to tell you about our next meeting. Write me back when you can to coordinate the details. A hug!
- No me ha respondido todavía.He/she hasn't written back to me yet.
- Por favor, no olvides responder.Please, don't forget to write back.
- Espero que me pueda responder pronto.I hope you can write back to me soon.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking on the phone about an email.
- Lucía¿Recibiste mi mensaje de ayer?Did you receive my message from yesterday?
- AlejandroSí, pero no he tenido tiempo de responder.Yes, but I haven't had time to write back.
- LucíaEntiendo, pero por favor responde cuando puedas.I understand, but please write back when you can.
- AlejandroLo haré esta noche, lo prometo.I will do it tonight, I promise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry responder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
