pidiendo
/pee-DYEN-do/
asking for
Making a request, or "asking for" something.
pidiendo(Gerund (The "-ing" form))
asking for
?making a request
,requesting
?formally asking
seeking
?looking for something specific
📝 In Action
Mi hermana está pidiendo el coche prestado otra vez.
A1My sister is asking for the car to borrow again.
El presidente estuvo pidiendo apoyo internacional durante la crisis.
B2The president was requesting international support during the crisis.
💡 Grammar Points
The E > I Stem Change
The verb 'pedir' is tricky because the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' in many forms, including the gerund 'pidiendo'. Remember: E changes to I!
Forming the Continuous Tense
You use 'pidiendo' after a form of 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos pidiendo más tiempo' (We are asking for more time).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Pedir and Preguntar
Mistake: "Estoy pidiendo una pregunta. (I am asking a question.)"
Correction: Estoy haciendo una pregunta. (I am asking a question.) Use 'pedir' only when you want an object, favor, or action, not when you want information.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for a Favor
If you are asking someone to do something for you (a favor or command), 'pedir' often requires the next verb to be in the special 'subjunctive' form: 'Te pido que vengas' (I ask you to come).
Placing an order for food or drink.
pidiendo(Gerund (The "-ing" form))
ordering
?food or drink
,placing an order
?in a restaurant
requesting a service
?e.g., a taxi
📝 In Action
Llevamos media hora esperando, ¿aún no están pidiendo?
A2We've been waiting half an hour, are you still not ordering?
Están pidiendo el plato del día porque es más barato.
B1They are ordering the plate of the day because it is cheaper.
⭐ Usage Tips
Ordering vs. Paying
Use 'pidiendo' when you are telling the waiter what you want. Use 'pagando' (paying) when you are settling the bill.
Pleading desperately, or "begging."
pidiendo(Gerund (The "-ing" form))
begging
?pleading desperately
,pleading
?making a serious, emotional request
📝 In Action
El prisionero estaba pidiendo clemencia al gobernador.
B2The prisoner was begging the governor for clemency.
Ella estuvo pidiendo perdón durante toda la noche.
B1She was pleading for forgiveness all night long.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pidiendo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pidiendo' to ask for information?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'pedir' y 'preguntar'?
Use 'pedir' when you want a physical thing, a service, a favor, or permission (e.g., asking for water, ordering food). Use 'preguntar' when you want information or an answer (e.g., asking what time it is, asking a question).
Does 'pidiendo' always mean 'begging'?
No. While 'pidiendo' can mean 'begging' when the context is desperate or emotional, its most common meaning is simply 'asking for' or 'requesting' something, like help or a drink.