responder a (una demanda)
verbCEFR B2
What does “responder a (una demanda)” mean in English?
to respond to, to address
to respond to, to address (responder a una demanda/necesidad — institutional reaction to a challenge or need)
Example sentences
El organismo no logró responder a la creciente demanda de vivienda social en las grandes ciudades.
The body failed to respond to the growing demand for social housing in major cities.
Las medidas adoptadas respondían a la urgencia de la situación y no a un plan estratégico.
The measures adopted responded to the urgency of the situation and not to a strategic plan.
How to use it
Responder a (in the sense of 'to respond to/address') signals a reaction to a need, demand, or challenge. Different from the 'reply' sense: here the subject is an institution or measure, not a person giving a verbal answer. Key at B2 in policy and social discourse.
Common mistake
Responder a (respond/address — institutional reaction) vs. contestar (answer — verbal response) vs. abordar (tackle/address — more direct action). At B2, responder a una necesidad/demanda is a key formal collocation.