pide
“pide” means “asks for” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
asks for, requests
Also: begs
📝 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.
orders
Also: places an order
📝 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?
demands, requires
Also: calls for
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pide
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pide' in the imperative (command) form?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *petere*, which meant 'to seek,' 'to aim at,' or 'to request.' The meaning has stayed very consistent over the centuries.
First recorded: Old Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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.