responder
verbCEFR B2
What does “responder” mean in English?
to reply, to answer
to reply, to answer (responder a + noun — give a verbal or written answer)
Example sentences
La ministra respondió a las críticas de la oposición con datos concretos sobre el plan de empleo.
The minister replied to the opposition's criticism with concrete data about the employment plan.
La empresa tardó más de una semana en responder al correo electrónico del cliente.
The company took more than a week to reply to the client's email.
How to use it
Responder (a) means 'to reply' or 'to answer'. Structure: responder a + noun/question; responder que + indicative. Also: responder a las expectativas (meet expectations); responder de (be accountable for). This atom covers the 'reply' meaning primarily.
Common mistake
Responder a (reply to — takes a) vs. contestar (answer — can take direct object without preposition: 'contestó la pregunta'). Both are B2-standard; responder a is more formal.