You walk into a charming café in Madrid. You want to ask for the menu, but you also want to ask what time they close. In English, you’d use the same verb for both: “ask.”
- "Can I ask for the menu?"
- "Can I ask what time you close?"
But in Spanish, using the wrong verb here is a classic rookie mistake. One situation calls for pedir, and the other for preguntar.
So, what’s the difference? Don't worry, it's simpler than you think! By the end of this post, you'll know exactly which "ask" to use, every single time.
The Core Difference: Information vs. Things
Let's cut to the chase. Here’s the golden rule:
Preguntaris for asking for information.Pediris for asking for things, services, or actions.
Think of it this way: if your sentence ends with a question mark in your mind, you probably need preguntar. If you’re making a request for something tangible or for someone to do something, you’ll need pedir.
Let’s break them down.
Preguntar: To Ask for Information 🙋♀️
Use preguntar when you are asking a question to get information. It’s your go-to verb for inquiries. If you can pair it with words like who, what, where, when, why, or how, you're in preguntar territory.
Examples:
- Voy a preguntar dónde está la estación. (I'm going to ask where the station is.)
- Mi amigo me preguntó qué hora era. (My friend asked me what time it was.)
- ¿Puedo preguntarte algo? (Can I ask you something?)
- Ella siempre pregunta si necesito ayuda. (She always asks if I need help.)
Look for Question Words
A great clue for using preguntar is the presence of question words like qué, quién, cuándo, dónde, por qué, cómo, and si (if/whether).
Quick Test!
Ready to check your understanding?
You want to know your friend's age. Which verb do you use?
Pedir: To Ask for Things, Services, or Actions 🙏
Use pedir when you are making a request. This includes ordering food, asking for an object, requesting a favor, or asking someone to do something.
Think of it as "to request" or "to order."
Examples:
- Para beber, voy a pedir un vaso de agua. (To drink, I'm going to order a glass of water.)
- ¿Podemos pedir la cuenta, por favor? (Can we ask for the check, please?)
- Te llamo para pedir un favor. (I'm calling you to ask for a favor.)
- El niño pidió permiso para salir a jugar. (The boy asked for permission to go out and play.)
Don't Say 'Pedir Por'
In English, we say "ask for." A common mistake is to translate this directly to "pedir por." Resist the urge! Pedir already means "to ask for."
- Correct: Pido un café. (I'm asking for a coffee.)
- Incorrect:
Pido por un café.
Time for another quiz!
You're at a restaurant and want the bill. How do you ask for it?
Pedir vs. Preguntar: Side-by-Side
Sometimes a simple chart makes all the difference.
| Verb | Core Meaning | Use It For... | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
Preguntar | To ask a question | Inquiries, seeking information. | Pregunté cómo llegar. (I asked how to get there.) |
Pedir | To make a request | Ordering food, asking for favors/objects. | Pedí un taxi. (I asked for a taxi.) |
The Tricky Case: "To Ask for Someone"
Here’s one little curveball: the phrase preguntar por.
While pedir is for requesting things, preguntar por alguien means "to ask for/about someone," in the sense of inquiring if they are there or how they are doing.
- Un hombre vino y preguntó por ti. (A man came and asked for you.) -> He wanted to know where you were or to speak with you.
- Mi abuela siempre pregunta por mis estudios. (My grandma always asks about my studies.) -> She wants information about how they're going.
Think of it this way: you are asking for information about that person. And what's our rule for information? That's right—preguntar!
Let's Practice One More Time
Imagine this scenario: You're lost. You stop someone on the street.
- You need to request that they help you. (An action)
- You need to ask them for directions to the museum. (Information)
Which verb do you use for each?
Which sentence correctly uses both verbs for the scenario above?
You've Got This!
The pedir vs. preguntar puzzle really just boils down to one simple question: Am I asking for information or am I making a request?
- Information? ->
Preguntar - A thing, service, or action? ->
Pedir
Keep this rule in mind, and you'll be speaking more naturally in no time. The best way to make it stick is to practice! Try creating your own sentences or look for these verbs next time you're using the InkLingo app.
¡Hasta la próxima!