Spanish word

contestar

Pronunciation

IPA/kontesˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbanswer

Example

¿Puedes contestar la pregunta?

Can you answer the question?

Illustration for contestar (answer)

More examples

Procura contestar los mensajes rápidamente cuando puedas.

Try to reply quickly to messages when you can.

Core concept

A reply directed at a question, message, or signal, conveyed verbally or by action.

Common phrases

  • contestar rápidamente

    reply quickly

  • contestar al instante

    reply instantly

  • contestar de forma educada

    reply politely

Similar words

responder: Replies to a question, call, or greeting by returning an answer or simple acknowledgment.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para responder a preguntas, mensajes o señales de otra persona mediante palabras o actos.

Word origin

It comes from Latin contestāre, formed from con- 'with' plus testāre 'to testify', originally meaning 'call as witness' and later widening to mean 'answer'.

Usage tips

  • Contestar takes direct objects for things (contestar una pregunta) and uses a when the object is a person (contestar a alguien).

Other meanings

  • replyverb
  • respondverb

Opposites

Related words

  • contestadoranswering machinenoun
  • contestabledebatableadjective

Word lists with this word