pido

/pee-doh/

I ask for

A small child looking up at an adult and reaching out an open hand, requesting a toy block the adult is holding.

When you need to make a general request, you might use pido (I ask for).

pido(Verb (conjugated))

A1irregular (e>i stem change) ir

I ask for

general request

I request

formal or written request

Also:

I beg

strong pleading

📝 In Action

Pido tu ayuda para terminar este trabajo.

I ask for your help to finish this job.

Pido disculpas por llegar tarde a la reunión.

I ask for forgiveness (I apologize) for arriving late to the meeting.

Si pido permiso, ¿crees que me dejen ir?

If I ask for permission, do you think they'll let me go?

Word Connections

Synonyms

solicito (I solicit/I apply)
ruego (I beg/I plead)

Common Collocations

pido la palabra – I ask to speak (I request the floor)
pido clemencia – I beg for mercy

Idioms & Expressions

Pido a gritos – I desperately need/I demand loudly

💡 Grammar Points

Pedir vs. Preguntar

Use 'pedir' when asking FOR something (an object, help, permission). Use 'preguntar' when asking A QUESTION (information).

Irregular Stem Change

This verb is special: the vowel 'e' in the middle changes to 'i' in most forms, like in 'pido' and 'pide'. However, it goes back to 'e' for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms in the present tense (pedimos, pedís).

⭐ Usage Tips

Ordering Politely

To sound polite when ordering (Definition 2), it's common to add 'por favor' (please) or frame it as a question: 'Pido una cerveza, por favor.' (I'll have a beer, please.)

A person sitting at a cafe table pointing at a menu while a server stands ready with a notepad to take the order.

Use pido when you are ordering food or drinks at a restaurant.

pido(Verb (conjugated))

A1irregular (e>i stem change) ir

I order

food, drink, or items

I'll have

when ordering food in a restaurant

📝 In Action

Pido un café con leche y una tostada, por favor.

I'll order a coffee with milk and toast, please.

Si pido el postre ahora, ¿tardará mucho?

If I order dessert now, will it take long?

Pido siempre la misma pizza en este lugar.

I always order the same pizza at this place.

Word Connections

Synonyms

encargo (I order (goods)/I commission)

Common Collocations

pido a domicilio – I order delivery
pido la cuenta – I ask for the bill

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Pedir' and 'Ordenar'

Mistake: "Using 'yo ordeno' when asking for food."

Correction: While 'ordenar' can mean 'to order,' 'pedir' is the natural and common verb used when communicating what you want to consume or buy in a social setting: 'Pido la sopa.' (I order the soup.)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pido

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'pido' in the sense of ordering food?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

pedir(to ask for) - verb

pedido(request/order (noun)) - noun

petición(petition/formal request) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'pido' a polite way to ask for something?

Yes, 'pido' is neutral and polite. For maximum politeness, always add 'por favor' (please). For example: 'Pido la sal, por favor' (I ask for the salt, please).

What is the difference between 'pido' (from *pedir*) and 'pregunto' (from *preguntar*)?

'Pido' means you are seeking a physical object, a service, or permission (I ask for help, I ask for the bill). 'Pregunto' means you are seeking information (I ask a question).