preguntar
/preh-goon-TAHR/
to ask
When we need information, we preguntar (ask) a question.
preguntar(Verb)
to ask
?to pose a question
to inquire
?formal or official request for information
📝 In Action
Necesito preguntar algo al profesor sobre la tarea.
A1I need to ask the teacher something about the homework.
¿Qué hora es? Siempre pregunto la misma cosa.
A1What time is it? I always ask the same thing.
Ella preguntó por su salud después de la operación.
A2She asked about his health after the operation.
💡 Grammar Points
Asking Who Received the Action
When asking a question to a person, use 'a' before the person: 'Pregunté al camarero' (I asked the waiter). The person receiving the question is treated like an indirect object.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Preguntar vs. Pedir
Mistake: "Using 'preguntar' when you want a physical item or a favor."
Correction: Use 'preguntar' only for questions or information. Use 'pedir' for things or requests: 'Pedí agua' (I asked for water), NOT 'Pregunté agua'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking About Someone/Something
To ask about a person or thing, use 'preguntar por': 'Preguntaron por tu salud' (They asked about your health).
Sometimes we preguntar (wonder) about things we don't know the answer to.
preguntar(Verb)
to wonder
?to speculate or ask oneself mentally
to question (oneself)
?to doubt one's own beliefs
📝 In Action
Me pregunto si el tren llegará a tiempo hoy.
B1I wonder if the train will arrive on time today.
Ella se preguntaba si había tomado la decisión correcta.
B2She wondered if she had made the correct decision.
Nos preguntamos por qué actuó así.
B2We asked ourselves why he acted like that.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Meaning
When you add the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se), the meaning changes from asking someone else to 'asking yourself' or 'wondering'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "I wonder = 'Yo pregunto' (Incorrect when meaning 'I wonder')."
Correction: The correct form must include the pronoun: 'Yo me pregunto' (I wonder). This is a completely different action than 'I ask' (Yo pregunto).
⭐ Usage Tips
Internal Thoughts
Use 'preguntarse' primarily for internal thoughts, speculations, or when you are mentally exploring a dilemma.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preguntar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'preguntar'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'preguntar' and 'pedir'?
'Preguntar' is used exclusively for asking questions or requesting information. 'Pedir' is used for asking for a physical object, a favor, permission, or a service.
How do I say 'to ask for someone' in Spanish?
You use the structure 'preguntar por [person/thing]'. For example, 'El jefe preguntó por ti' means 'The boss asked for you' (meaning he inquired about your whereabouts or welfare).