Meaning and Usage
The verb pedir means to ask for or to request something in Spanish. It is commonly used when requesting objects, favors, or services. This verb often involves polite or formal situations but can be used in casual contexts as well.
Verb Type and Irregularity
Pedir is a stem-changing verb of the e → i type in the present tense and certain other tenses. It is irregular because the vowel in the stem changes when conjugated in most forms.
Present Tense Conjugation
The present tense of pedir demonstrates a clear stem change from e to i, except in the nosotros and vosotros forms.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | pido | I ask for | Yo pido ayuda. | I ask for help. |
| tú | pides | you ask for | Tú pides información. | You ask for information. |
| él/ella/usted | pide | he/she/you ask for | Ella pide un favor. | She asks for a favor. |
| nosotros/as | pedimos | we ask for | Nosotros pedimos comida. | We ask for food. |
| vosotros/as | pedís | you all ask for | Vosotros pedís direcciones. | You all ask for directions. |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | piden | they/you all ask for | Ellos piden ayuda. | They ask for help. |
Past Tense Conjugation
In the preterite tense, pedir also has a stem change in the third person singular and plural.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | pedí | I asked for | Yo pedí un favor ayer. | I asked for a favor yesterday. |
| tú | pediste | you asked for | Tú pediste ayuda. | You asked for help. |
| él/ella/usted | pidió | he/she/you asked for | Ella pidió un préstamo. | She asked for a loan. |
| nosotros/as | pedimos | we asked for | Nosotros pedimos información. | We asked for information. |
| vosotros/as | pedisteis | you all asked for | Vosotros pedisteis comida. | You all asked for food. |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | pidieron | they/you all asked for | Ellos pidieron direcciones. | They asked for directions. |
Common Expressions with Pedir
- Pedir permiso – to ask for permission
- Pedir ayuda – to ask for help
- Pedir disculpas – to apologize (literally: to ask for apologies)
Summary
Pedir is a frequently used verb to request or ask for something, notable for its stem changes in present and past forms. Mastering pedir is essential for polite requests in Spanish conversation.
