pide
/PEE-deh/
asks for
Pide can mean "asks for."
pide(Verb (Conjugated Form))
asks for
?He/She/It asks for something
,requests
?You (formal) request something
begs
?In a serious or urgent context
📝 In Action
Mi hijo siempre pide un cuento antes de dormir.
A1My son always asks for a story before sleeping.
Si usted pide la información, se la darán.
A2If you (formal) request the information, they will give it to you.
Ella pide disculpas por llegar tarde.
A2She asks for forgiveness (apologizes) for arriving late.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem-Changing Verb
The base verb 'pedir' is irregular because the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' in most present tense forms, but not in the 'we' (nosotros) form.
Indicative vs. Imperative
'Pide' can mean 'He/She asks' (statement) or 'Ask!' (a command to 'tú'). The context tells you which meaning is intended.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Preguntar' Instead
Mistake: "Using 'pregunta' when you mean 'pide' (e.g., 'Él pregunta dinero')."
Correction: Use 'pide' when requesting an object or service ('Él pide dinero'). Use 'pregunta' only when asking a question or seeking information ('Él pregunta la hora').
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the 'i'
A simple way to remember the irregularity is that 'pide' sounds sharper than 'pede' would, helping you recall the 'i' vowel change.
Pide is used when someone "orders" food or drinks.
pide(Verb (Conjugated Form))
orders
?He/She/You formal orders food or drinks
places an order
?For delivery or takeaway
📝 In Action
Ella siempre pide el café con leche y azúcar.
A2She always orders coffee with milk and sugar.
El camarero espera mientras usted pide.
A2The waiter waits while you (formal) order.
¿Qué pide tu hermano en este restaurante?
A2What does your brother order at this restaurant?
💡 Grammar Points
Ordering vs. Paying
Remember that 'pide' is used for placing the order. When you are ready to pay, you 'pide la cuenta' (ask for the bill).
When someone insists strongly, pide means "demands."
pide(Verb (Conjugated Form))
demands
?Insisting on something
,requires
?A rule or law mandates it
calls for
?A situation calls for action
📝 In Action
La situación pide una respuesta inmediata.
B1The situation demands an immediate response.
El jefe pide más compromiso de su equipo.
B2The boss demands more commitment from his team.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pide
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pide' in the imperative (command) form?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pide' and 'pregunta'?
'Pide' is used when you want an object, a service, or a favor (e.g., 'pide agua' - asks for water). 'Pregunta' is used only when you want information or an answer (e.g., 'pregunta la hora' - asks the time).
Why does 'pide' have an 'i' when the infinitive is 'pedir' (with an 'e')?
'Pedir' is a stem-changing verb. In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' in all forms except 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural, informal Spain). This change helps Spanish speakers pronounce the word more easily.