Pedir vs Preguntar – Ask for vs Ask
In Spanish, pedir and preguntar both translate as "to ask," but they serve different functions: pedir is to request something, while preguntar is to inquire or to ask for information.
Pedir
Use pedir when you want to request an object, service, or action. It can be followed by a noun, an infinitive, or sometimes by que plus a subjunctive when asking someone to do something.
Examples
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ☕ ¿Me puedes pedir un café para llevar? | Can you order a coffee for me to go? |
| 🥐 Quiero pedir una croissant extra. | I want to ask for an extra croissant. |
| 📱 Voy a pedir la carta por la app. | I’m going to request the menu through the app. |
| 🧃 Ella pidió un zumo de naranja. | She asked for an orange juice. |
| 🍰 ¿Puedo pedir un trozo de tarta? | Can I order a slice of cake? |
Expressions
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 📝 Quisiera hacer un pedido. | I would like to place an order. |
| 🙏 ¿Me puede pedir un favor? | Can you do me a favor? (asking politely) |
| 📢 Voy a pedir la cuenta. | I’m going to ask for the bill. |
| ⏳ Pedimos que nos avisaran cuando estuviera listo. | We asked to be notified when it was ready. |
| 🧾 Pedir presupuesto. | To request a quote. |
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Preguntar
Use preguntar when you want to obtain information. It is often followed by a preposition like por, or by a question word, or by si when introducing a yes/no question.
Examples
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🗺️ ¿Puedes preguntar dónde queda la panadería? | Can you ask where the bakery is? |
| 🧑🍳 Le pregunté al chef qué llevaba el pastel. | I asked the chef what was in the cake. |
| 🕒 Preguntaron a qué hora abría el café. | They asked what time the café opened. |
| 📬 Voy a preguntar si hacen envíos. | I’m going to ask if they do deliveries. |
| ❓ ¿Puedo preguntar algo? | Can I ask something? |
Expressions
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🤔 Quiero preguntar una duda. | I want to ask a question. |
| 🙋 ¿Puedo preguntar? | May I ask? |
| 🧑🏫 El profesor pidió que preguntáramos al final. | The teacher asked that we ask at the end. |
| 🔍 Preguntar para investigar. | To ask in order to research. |
| 📞 Voy a preguntar por teléfono. | I’m going to ask by phone. |
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Key Differences
Remember: use pedir to ask for things or help, and use preguntar to ask questions or request information. Replacing one with the other can change the meaning or sound unnatural.
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Related Verbs
Other useful verbs include solicitar (to formally request), preguntar por (to inquire about), and volver a preguntar (to ask again). These can add nuance depending on context.
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Summary
Use pedir to request something and preguntar to ask for information. Paying attention to what comes after the verb—noun, infinitive, question word, or preposition—will help you choose the right one.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025