A colorful storybook illustration depicting two simplified figures standing facing each other. The first figure has an open, expectant gesture directed towards the second figure, who is leaning in and listening closely.

pedirte

peh-DEER-teh

Verb (Infinitive form with pronoun)A2irregular (stem-changing e>i) ir

to ask you?informal, singular,to request of you?informal, singular

Also:to order you?when 'pedir' implies commanding

Quick Reference

infinitivepedir

gerundpidiendo

past Participlepedido

📝 In Action

Necesito pedirte un favor muy grande.

I need to ask you a very big favor.

¿Puedo pedirte que me ayudes con esto?

Can I ask you to help me with this?

Antes de irme, quería pedirte disculpas.

Before leaving, I wanted to ask you for forgiveness (to apologize to you).

Word Connections

Synonyms

solicitarte (to request of you (formal))
rogarte (to beg you)

Common Collocations

Quiero pedirte ayuda – I want to ask you for help
Debo pedirte algo – I must ask you something

💡 Grammar Points

What is 'te'?

'Te' is a small word that means 'you' (informal, singular) and shows that you are the person receiving the action. In 'pedirte,' you are the one being asked or requested something.

Attaching the Pronoun

When a verb is in the infinitive form (like 'pedir'), the pronoun ('te') is attached directly to the end, forming one word: 'pedir' + 'te' = 'pedirte'.

Placement Choice

When you use 'pedirte' after another conjugated verb (like 'quiero' or 'voy a'), you can either attach the pronoun to the infinitive ('Voy a pedirte') or place it before the conjugated verb ('Te voy a pedir'). Both are perfectly correct!

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Pedir' and 'Preguntar'

Mistake: "Using *preguntarte* when you mean to request an object or favor: 'Voy a preguntarte un café.'"

Correction: Use *pedirte* for requests or orders (things): 'Voy a pedirte un café.' Use *preguntarte* only for questions (information): 'Voy a preguntarte la hora.'

⭐ Usage Tips

The Stress Rule

The original infinitive 'pedir' has natural stress on the last syllable. When you add one pronoun like 'te,' the stress usually stays there, so no written accent mark is needed on 'pedirte'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pedirte

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the attachment rule for 'pedirte'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

pedir(to ask for, to request) - verb

la petición(the request, the petition) - noun

el pedido(the order (of goods)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it 'pedirte' and not 'te pedir'?

Both ways of placing the pronoun are actually correct when you have two verbs working together (like 'I need to ask you'). 'Pedirte' is the form used when you choose to attach the pronoun directly to the infinitive ('pedir').

Does 'pedirte' mean 'to ask you' or 'to ask for you'?

It almost always means 'to ask *of* you' or 'to ask *you* (for something),' such as a favor or help. It does not usually mean 'to ask for your presence' (which would typically be 'preguntar por ti').