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"Contestar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to answer", and "preguntar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to ask". Learn more about the difference between "contestar" and "preguntar" below.
contestar(
kohn
-
tehs
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to reply to
Sería bonito que me contestaras las cartas alguna vez.It would be nice if you'd reply to my letters sometime.
2. (to retort)
a. to talk back
No puedo salir a jugar por una semana porque le contesté a mi mamá.I can't go out to play for a week because I talked back to my mom.
b. to answer back
Ese chico maleducado siempre anda contestando a los maestros.That rude boy is always answering back to the teachers.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to dissent)
a. to protest
Los estudiantes universitarios contestaron para mostrar su desacuerdo con el alza de las cuotas.The university students protested to show their disagreement with the fee hike.
4. (to respond)
preguntar(
preh
-
goon
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to ask
Por favor, pregunte a su hija si vendrá a la cena.Please, ask your daughter if she is coming for dinner.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to ask about
Si pregunta por el libro, dile que está en la biblioteca.If she asks about the book, tell her it's at the library.
preguntarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
