pregunta
/pre-GOON-tah/
question
Pregunta (Noun): A question, an inquiry. The child’s thoughtful gaze represents having a pregunta.
pregunta(Noun)
question
?A sentence that asks for information.
inquiry
?A more formal act of asking for information.
,query
?Often used in a technical or database context.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Making a Question
In Spanish, you don't 'ask' a question with a single verb. Instead, you 'make' one. The most common phrase is 'hacer una pregunta'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'pregunta' and 'cuestión'
Mistake: "Tengo una cuestión: ¿dónde está el baño?"
Correction: Tengo una pregunta: ¿dónde está el baño? Use 'pregunta' for a direct question. 'Cuestión' is more like an 'issue' or 'matter' to be discussed, e.g., 'la cuestión del medio ambiente' (the issue of the environment).
⭐ Usage Tips
Question Marks
Remember that written Spanish questions start with an upside-down question mark (¿) and end with a regular one (?). For example: '¿Cómo te llamas?'
Pregunta (Verb Form): He/She asks, or Ask! The action of the tourist speaking to the local demonstrates the verb form pregunta.
pregunta(Verb)
he asks / she asks
?Describing what a third person does.
,you ask
?Formal 'you' (usted).
ask!
?A command given to a friend ('tú').
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Two Forms in One Word
'Pregunta' can mean 'he/she asks' (a statement) or 'ask!' (a command). The situation you're in will make it clear which one is meant.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Asking for Things vs. Asking Questions
Mistake: "Voy a preguntar una cerveza."
Correction: Voy a pedir una cerveza. Use 'preguntar' when you want information. Use 'pedir' when you want to request an object or a service.
⭐ Usage Tips
Commands: Formal vs. Informal
The command '¡pregunta!' is friendly and informal (for 'tú'). If you're talking to someone you don't know well or want to show respect ('usted'), you should use '¡pregunte!'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pregunta
Question 1 of 2
Your friend looks confused in class. What do you tell them to do?
📚 More Resources
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.