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pido

pee-dohˈpi.ðo

“pido” means “I ask for” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

I ask for, I request

Also: I beg
A1irregular (e>i stem change) ir
A small child looking up at an adult and reaching out an open hand, requesting a toy block the adult is holding.
infinitivepedir
gerundpidiendo
past Participlepedido

📝 In Action

Pido tu ayuda para terminar este trabajo.

A1

I ask for your help to finish this job.

Pido disculpas por llegar tarde a la reunión.

A2

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

Si pido permiso, ¿crees que me dejen ir?

B1

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

Word Connections

Synonyms

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

I order, I'll have

A1irregular (e>i stem change) ir
A person sitting at a cafe table pointing at a menu while a server stands ready with a notepad to take the order.

📝 In Action

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

A1

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

Si pido el postre ahora, ¿tardará mucho?

A2

If I order dessert now, will it take long?

Pido siempre la misma pizza en este lugar.

A1

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

Indicative

Present

yopido
túpides
él/ella/ustedpide
nosotrospedimos
vosotrospedís
ellos/ellas/ustedespiden

Imperfect

yopedía
túpedías
él/ella/ustedpedía
nosotrospedíamos
vosotrospedíais
ellos/ellas/ustedespedían

Preterite

yopedí
túpediste
él/ella/ustedpidió
nosotrospedimos
vosotrospedisteis
ellos/ellas/ustedespidieron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yopida
túpidas
él/ella/ustedpida
nosotrospidamos
vosotrospidáis
ellos/ellas/ustedespidan

Imperfect Subjunctive

yopidiera/pidiese
túpidieras/pidieses
él/ella/ustedpidiera/pidiese
nosotrospidiéramos/pidiésemos
vosotrospidierais/pidieseis
ellos/ellas/ustedespidieran/pidiesen
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pido" in Spanish:

i beg→i order→i request→i'll have→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin verb *petere*, meaning 'to seek,' 'to aim for,' or 'to request.' Over time, the meaning specialized in Spanish to focus mainly on the act of requesting something from someone.

First recorded: 11th century (as *pedir*)

Cognates (Related words)

French: prierItalian: chiedere

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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).