Pedir vs Preguntar – To Ask
Pedir y preguntar son dos verbos fundamentales en español. Descubre cuándo usar pedir (solicitar algo) frente a preguntar (hacer una pregunta), con ejemplos claros y matices de uso para evitar errores.
Pedir and preguntar are two fundamental Spanish verbs. Learn when to use pedir (to request something) vs preguntar (to ask a question), with clear examples and usage nuances to avoid mistakes.
Asking in Spanish divides mainly between pedir, which requests something, and preguntar, which seeks information. This short guide sorts typical uses so you choose the natural verb.
Pedir
Use pedir when you ask for an object, service, or favor. It focuses on getting something that can be given or done.
Usa pedir cuando solicitas un objeto, servicio o favor. Se centra en obtener algo que puede ser entregado o realizado.
We ask for help when we don't understand.
Preguntar
Use preguntar when you seek an answer, clarification, or information. It focuses on posing a question rather than obtaining a tangible item.
Usa preguntar cuando buscas una respuesta, aclaración o información. Se enfoca en formular una pregunta en lugar de obtener un objeto tangible.
I ask the teacher when I don't know something.
Phrases
Small set phrases often use one verb or the other by convention; learn these to sound natural.
Summary
In brief: use pedir to ask for something you want to receive, and preguntar to ask for information. Think of pedir as requesting and preguntar as inquiring.
Quick Tip
When in doubt, decide whether you want an object/service pedir or an answer preguntar; context will guide you.
Goal
Help learners consistently choose pedir vs preguntar through clear definitions and memorable examples.
Suggested Reading
Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Spanish by Dorothy Richmond
No Nonsense Spanish Workbook by Eric W. Vogt & My Daily Spanish
The Everything Learning Spanish Book by Julie Gutin
Collins Easy Learning: Spanish Conversation by Collins Dictionaries
Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Conversation by Jean Yates
Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish by Margarita Madrigal
Spanish All-In-One For Dummies by Susana Wald & Cecie Kraynak
Easy Spanish Step-By-Step by Barbara Bregstein
Barron’s 501 Spanish Verbs by Christopher Kendris and Theodore Kendris
Complete Spanish Step-By-Step by Barbara Bregstein
Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar by Gilda Nissenberg
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Wed Dec 3, 2025, 6:21 PM