pides
/PEE-des/
you ask for
When you use pides to mean 'you ask for', it refers to making a request.
pides(verb)
you ask for
?when referring to 'tú'
,you request
?when referring to 'tú'
you beg
?less common, strong request
📝 In Action
¿Qué pides para tu cumpleaños?
A1What are you asking for for your birthday?
Si pides ayuda, te la daré.
A2If you ask for help, I will give it to you.
💡 Grammar Points
Pedir vs. Preguntar
Use 'pides' when you want someone to give you something (an object, a service, help). Use 'preguntas' (the verb 'preguntar') only when you want information or an answer to a question.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Pedir' and 'Preguntar'
Mistake: "Pides una pregunta. (Literally: You ask for a question.)"
Correction: Haces una pregunta (You ask a question) or Preguntas. Remember: You ask FOR things (pides), you ask questions (preguntas).
Pides is often used when you are ordering food or items in a restaurant or store.
pides(verb)
you order
?food, drinks, items
you command
?less common, formal
📝 In Action
¿Qué pides de postre cuando vas a ese restaurante?
A1What do you order for dessert when you go to that restaurant?
Si pides la pizza ahora, estará lista en veinte minutos.
A2If you order the pizza now, it will be ready in twenty minutes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Restaurant Use
In a restaurant, use 'pido' (I order) or 'voy a pedir' (I'm going to order) to tell the waiter your choice. This is the most natural way to express ordering food.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pides
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pides' in the sense of asking for information?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should use 'pides' or 'preguntas'?
'Pides' is for getting something physical (food, money, a favor, a book). 'Preguntas' is for getting information or an answer (a question about the time, a doubt, a direction).
Is 'pides' formal or informal?
'Pides' is the informal form (tú). If you are speaking formally to someone you don't know well or someone older, you should use 'pide' (the usted form).