pregunta
“pregunta” means “question” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
question
Also: inquiry, query
📝 In Action
Tengo una pregunta para la profesora.
A1I have a question for the teacher.
La pregunta del examen era muy difícil.
A2The exam question was very difficult.
Esa es una buena pregunta; necesito pensar en la respuesta.
B1That's a good question; I need to think about the answer.
he asks / she asks, you ask
Also: ask!
📝 In Action
El turista pregunta dónde está la estación de metro.
A1The tourist asks where the subway station is.
Si no sabes la respuesta, ¡pregunta!
A2If you don't know the answer, ask!
¿Usted me pregunta a mí?
A2Are you (formal) asking me?
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pregunta
Question 1 of 2
Your friend looks confused in class. What do you tell them to do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb 'percontārī', which meant 'to inquire' or 'to investigate thoroughly'. It's related to the idea of using a 'contus', or a sounding pole, to check the depth of water—a nice image for getting to the bottom of something!
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'pregunta' and 'cuestión'?
Think of 'pregunta' as a simple, direct question that expects an answer, like 'What time is it?'. 'Cuestión' is broader, like an 'issue', 'matter', or a complex topic for discussion, like 'the question of human rights'. You answer a 'pregunta', but you discuss a 'cuestión'.
I always mix up 'preguntar' and 'pedir'. Any tricks?
Absolutely! It's a classic mix-up. Remember this: if you expect information back, use 'preguntar'. If you expect to receive an object or a favor, use 'pedir'. Are you asking 'what' or 'if'? -> Preguntar. Are you asking 'for' something? -> Pedir.