A conversation can begin with a question and continue with an answer.

The idea

Preguntar means to ask a question; responder means to answer. You can preguntar por a subject and responder a a question.

Patterns to compare
AcciónEjemplo
preguntarpreguntar por el tren
responderresponder a la pregunta

Examples

  • Pregunto la hora.I ask for the time.
  • Respondes a la pregunta.You answer the question.
  • Preguntamos por el tren.We ask about the train.
  • La profesora responde con calma.The teacher answers calmly.
  • Preguntan dónde está el museo.They ask where the museum is.
  • Respondo por correo electrónico.I answer by email.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not use responder for the person seeking information; that person can preguntar.

Try it yourself

  1. The person wants to know the price. Quiere saber el precio: ___ por el precio. (pregunta / responde)

    Show answer or example answer

    pregunta

    pregunta: the person seeks the price.

  2. The person gives the requested information. Da la información solicitada: ___ a la pregunta. (pregunta / responde)

    Show answer or example answer

    responde

    responde: the person gives the requested information.

  3. We seek information about the route. Buscamos información sobre el camino: ___ por el camino. (preguntamos / respondemos)

    Show answer or example answer

    preguntamos

    preguntamos: we are seeking information about the route.

Use it today

Write a question and say who answers it.