piden
/PEE-den/
they ask for
The image shows two people, where one is making a general request, illustrating the meaning "they ask for."
piden(verb)
they ask for
?to request something general
,you ask for
?plural formal (ustedes)
they request
?general request
📝 In Action
Mis padres siempre me piden ayuda con la tecnología.
A1My parents always ask me for help with technology.
¿Qué piden los clientes más a menudo?
A2What do the customers ask for most often?
Ustedes piden demasiadas explicaciones.
B1You (plural formal) ask for too many explanations.
💡 Grammar Points
The E > I Shoe Verb
'Pedir' is an irregular verb. In the present tense, the 'e' changes to an 'i' in all forms except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. This is often called a 'shoe' or 'boot' verb because the irregular forms fit inside the shape of a boot.
Pedir vs. Preguntar
Use 'pedir' only when you are asking for a thing (like food, money, or help). Use 'preguntar' when you are asking a question (like 'What time is it?').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Asking for a Question
Mistake: "Ellos piden una pregunta."
Correction: Ellos hacen una pregunta. ('Pedir' is for things, 'hacer' or 'preguntar' is for questions.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Need 'For'
In Spanish, 'pedir' already includes the idea of 'for.' You don't need to add a preposition like 'por' or 'para' after it. (e.g., 'piden dinero' not 'piden por dinero').
This illustration depicts customers telling a server what food they want, representing the meaning "they order."
piden(verb)
they order
?food, drinks, or products
,you order
?plural formal (ustedes)
they reserve
?to place an order for delivery
📝 In Action
Piden la paella porque es la especialidad de la casa.
A2They are ordering the paella because it is the specialty of the house.
¿Qué piden ustedes para beber?
A2What are you (plural formal) ordering to drink?
Los clientes piden todos los postres para probarlos.
B1The customers are ordering all the desserts to try them.
💡 Grammar Points
Ordering is 'Asking For'
In Spanish, ordering food is simply a specific way of 'asking for' it, so 'pedir' is used, not a separate verb like 'to order'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ordenar' for Food
Mistake: "Ellos ordenan pizza."
Correction: Ellos piden pizza. ('Ordenar' means 'to organize' or 'to command,' not usually 'to order food.')
The demanding posture and gesture in the image illustrate the strong requirement associated with the meaning "they demand."
piden(verb)
they demand
?to require strongly
,they appeal for
?to make a public request
they call for
?to publicly state a need
📝 In Action
Los manifestantes piden un cambio en la ley de vivienda.
B1The protestors are demanding a change in the housing law.
Las Naciones Unidas piden más ayuda humanitaria para la región.
C1The United Nations appeals for more humanitarian aid for the region.
💡 Grammar Points
Strong Requests Trigger the Subjunctive
When 'piden' is used to demand or request strongly, the verb that follows usually needs the special 'subjunctive' form: 'Piden que el presidente actúe' (They demand that the president act).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: piden
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses a form of 'pedir'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'piden' only used for 'they'? What about 'you'?
Piden is used for both 'they' (ellos/ellas) and the formal plural 'you' (ustedes). So, depending on the context, it can mean 'they ask for' or 'you (all) ask for'.
Why does the 'e' change to 'i' in 'piden'?
The verb 'pedir' is a stem-changing verb. This means the vowel in the middle of the verb changes in most present tense forms. The 'e' changes to an 'i' (e.g., p**i**do, p**i**des, p**i**de, p**i**den). This is a common pattern for many Spanish verbs.