Inklingo
← Dictionary
A simple storybook illustration showing a smaller figure looking up at a slightly taller figure, raising a hand in an inquisitive gesture, symbolizing one person asking a question of another.

preguntarte

pre-goon-tar-teh

Verb (Infinitive with attached object pronoun)A2regular ar
to ask you?Addressing a single person informally (tú)
Also:to pose a question to you?Formal equivalent, emphasizing the action

Quick Reference

infinitivepreguntar
gerundpreguntando
past Participlepreguntado

📝 In Action

Necesito preguntarte algo muy importante antes de irme.

A2

I need to ask you something very important before I leave.

Estaba pensando en preguntarte sobre tu viaje a Chile.

B1

I was thinking about asking you about your trip to Chile.

No pude preguntarte porque estabas ocupado.

A2

I couldn't ask you because you were busy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • consultarte (to consult you)
  • interrogarte (to interrogate you (more formal/intense))

Common Collocations

  • Quiero preguntarte – I want to ask you
  • Debo preguntarte – I should ask you

💡 Grammar Points

A Compound Word

This word is the action 'preguntar' (to ask) attached to the pronoun 'te' (you, singular informal). It means 'to ask you.'

Pronoun Placement Flexibility

When you have a verb like this governed by another verb (e.g., 'poder' or 'querer'), the pronoun 'te' can attach to the end (preguntarte) OR go before the first verb (te quiero preguntar).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'le' instead of 'te'

Mistake: "Quiero preguntarle (when talking to a friend)."

Correction: Quiero preguntarte. 'Le' is used for formal 'you' (usted) or 'him/her,' while 'te' is for informal 'you' (tú).

⭐ Usage Tips

When to Use the Combined Form

Attach the pronoun (te) to the end only when the verb is in the infinitive ('preguntar'), the gerund ('preguntando'), or the affirmative command form ('pregunta').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: preguntarte

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the pronoun 'te' attached to the infinitive?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

preguntar(to ask) - verb
la pregunta(the question) - noun
preguntón/a(inquisitive person/nosy) - adjective/noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'preguntarte' always two words in one?

Yes. 'Preguntarte' is the verb 'preguntar' (to ask) glued together with the object pronoun 'te' (you). This fusion only happens when the verb is in its base form (infinitive) or specific other non-conjugated forms.

Can I separate the two parts of 'preguntarte'?

Absolutely! If you have a conjugated verb that controls 'preguntar' (like 'puedo' or 'quiero'), you can put the 'te' before the conjugated verb instead. Example: 'Te puedo preguntar' is the same as 'Puedo preguntarte'.