Confusing 'Pedir' and 'Preguntar'

This form, 'pidieron,' tells you that a group of people ('ellos,' 'ellas,' or 'ustedes') completed an action—asking or requesting—at a specific point in the past.

It's the Simple Past (Preterite)

Even though 'pedir' normally has an 'e', in the simple past (preterite) and other tenses, the 'e' changes to 'i' (e.g., p**i**dió, p**i**dieron). This only happens in the 'boot' forms of the verb.

The 'e' to 'i' Change

'Pedir' almost always needs to be followed by the thing that was asked for (e.g., money, permission, food). If you don't mention what was asked for, the sentence feels incomplete.

Object Needed

Extremely common. This form is used constantly to talk about past requests or orders made by groups of people.

'Pidieron' is perfect for describing a single, finished action, like ordering a meal in a restaurant last night.

Specific Past Action

Use 'pidieron' when they told the waiter what they wanted. Use 'pagaron' (they paid) when they handled the bill.

Ordering vs. Paying

Very commonly used in restaurants, stores, and service environments.

When 'pidieron' is used to demand or require an action from someone else, the verb that follows often needs the special verb form (subjunctive): 'Pidieron que *viera* la evidencia' (They demanded that I see the evidence).

Triggering the Subjunctive

Common in news, politics, and serious professional contexts.

'Pidieron' is the simple past tense of 'pedir,' meaning 'they asked for,' 'they ordered (food),' or 'they demanded.' Learn its irregular conjugation and how to use it correctly in Spanish.

pidieron

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations