pedir
/peh-deer/
to ask for
Pedir: To ask for (requesting an object, favor, or information).
pedir(Verb)
to ask for
?requesting an object, favor, or information
to request
?a slightly more formal way to say 'to ask for'
📝 In Action
Voy a pedir ayuda con mi tarea.
A1I'm going to ask for help with my homework.
Ella me pidió un favor muy grande.
A2She asked me for a very big favor.
Siempre piden más tiempo para terminar el proyecto.
B1They always ask for more time to finish the project.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'e' Changes to 'i'
This verb is a 'stem-changer'. In many forms, like 'yo pido' (I ask for), the 'e' in the stem changes to an 'i'. Notice this doesn't happen in 'nosotros pedimos' (we ask for).
'To Ask For' is Built-in
In English, we say 'ask for something'. In Spanish, 'pedir' already includes the idea of 'for'. So, you just say 'pido un café' (I ask for a coffee), not 'pido por un café'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pedir vs. Preguntar
Mistake: "¿Puedo pedirte una pregunta?"
Correction: ¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta? Use 'pedir' to ask FOR something (an object, a favor). Use 'preguntar' or 'hacer una pregunta' to ask a question (information).
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct and Simple
Don't overcomplicate it. To ask for something, just use 'pedir' followed directly by the thing you want. 'Pido la sal' (I ask for the salt). It's that simple!
Pedir: To order (in a restaurant, bar, or for delivery).
📝 In Action
¿Qué vas a pedir?
A1What are you going to order?
Pedimos una pizza para cenar anoche.
A2We ordered a pizza for dinner last night.
Voy a pedir el pescado, por favor.
A1I'm going to order the fish, please.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To Restaurant Verb
While 'ordenar' can also mean 'to order', 'pedir' is universally understood and more common in many Spanish-speaking countries for ordering food and drinks.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pedir
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is correct for asking someone their name?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between 'pedir' and 'preguntar'?
It's simple: you 'pedir' for things (objects, favors, food) and you 'preguntar' for information (questions). Think: 'pedir' = to request, 'preguntar' = to question.
Is 'pedir' a polite verb to use?
Yes, 'pedir' is perfectly polite and neutral. To make it even more polite, you can use the conditional form 'querría' (I would like) or 'me gustaría' (I would like), for example: 'Me gustaría pedir un café, por favor.'
How is 'pedir' different from 'solicitar'?
'Solicitar' is a more formal version of 'pedir'. You would 'solicitar' a job, a visa, or a bank loan, but you would 'pedir' a coffee or 'pedir' a friend for help. For everyday conversation, 'pedir' is almost always the right choice.