pedimos
/peh-DEE-mos/
we ask for
This image shows two children making a request now, illustrating the present tense meaning of "pedimos" (we ask for).
pedimos(verb)
we ask for
?present action or request
,we request
?formal request
we order
?food or goods
📝 In Action
Pedimos la cuenta ahora, por favor.
A1We ask for the check now, please.
Siempre pedimos ayuda cuando no entendemos la tarea.
A2We always ask for help when we don't understand the homework.
¿Qué pedimos de postre?
A1What are we ordering for dessert?
💡 Grammar Points
Tense Ambiguity
The form 'pedimos' is special because it means both 'we ask' (Present) and 'we asked' (Past/Preterite). You must use context (like time words, e.g., 'ayer') to know which one is meant.
Stem Change Exception
The base verb 'pedir' usually changes the 'e' to an 'i' (e.g., 'pido'), but for the 'nosotros' (we) form in the Present Tense, it is a regular 'e'—'pedimos'—which makes it easier to remember!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Preguntar' Instead
Mistake: "Pedimos una pregunta. (We ask for a question.)"
Correction: Hacemos una pregunta. (We ask a question.) Use 'pedir' only when you are asking *for* a physical thing or service, not just information.
⭐ Usage Tips
Ordering Food
When ordering in a restaurant, 'pedimos' is the perfect polite way to announce your group's order: 'Pedimos dos tacos y una ensalada.'
The image shows the result of a completed request, illustrating the past tense meaning of "pedimos" (we asked for).
pedimos(verb)
we asked for
?completed past action
,we ordered
?completed past action (food/goods)
we requested
?completed past formal request
📝 In Action
Ayer pedimos demasiada comida en el restaurante.
A2Yesterday we ordered too much food at the restaurant.
Pedimos permiso a nuestros padres antes de salir.
B1We asked our parents for permission before going out.
Hace una semana pedimos un préstamo al banco.
B2A week ago we requested a loan from the bank.
💡 Grammar Points
Preterite Tense Use
Use this meaning when the request or order was a single, finished event at a specific point in time, like 'last night' or 'two hours ago'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Pedíamos la comida cuando llegó la luz. (We asked for the food when the light arrived.)"
Correction: Pedimos la comida cuando llegó la luz. (We asked for the food when the light arrived.) Use the Imperfect ('pedíamos') only for ongoing, descriptive past actions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Time Markers are Key
To clarify that you mean the past tense ('we asked'), always include a time marker like 'anoche' (last night), 'el mes pasado' (last month), or 'hace un rato' (a while ago).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pedimos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pedimos' to mean an action that finished completely yesterday?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'pedimos' means 'we ask' (Present) or 'we asked' (Past)?
You rely on context! If the sentence includes a time word like 'hoy' (today) or describes a habit, it's Present. If it includes 'ayer' (yesterday) or refers to a single, completed event, it's Past.
Is 'pedir' the same as 'preguntar'?
No. 'Pedir' means to ask *for* something physical, like an object, a service, or permission. 'Preguntar' means to ask *a question* or to ask *for information*.