Inklingo

pregunte

preh-GOON-tehpɾeˈɣunte

pregunte means ask (formal command) in Spanish (as an imperative ('Usted, ask!')).

ask (formal command), I ask/he/she/you (formal) ask

Also: may ask, should ask
VerbA2regular ar
A colorful storybook illustration showing a character standing formally before a seated character. The standing character is extending an open hand in a respectful gesture of inquiry or asking a question.
infinitivepreguntar
gerundpreguntando
past Participlepreguntado

📝 In Action

Si tiene dudas, pregunte al profesor.

A2

If you have doubts, ask the professor (formal command).

Es importante que usted pregunte por los detalles.

B1

It is important that you (formal) ask for the details.

No creo que yo pregunte nada en la reunión.

B2

I don't think I will ask anything in the meeting (expressing doubt).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pregunte sin miedoask without fear
  • que pregunte el clientelet the client ask

Indicative

Present

yopregunto
preguntas
él/ella/ustedpregunta
nosotrospreguntamos
vosotrospreguntáis
ellos/ellas/ustedespreguntan

Imperfect

yopreguntaba
preguntabas
él/ella/ustedpreguntaba
nosotrospreguntábamos
vosotrospreguntabais
ellos/ellas/ustedespreguntaban

Preterite

yopregunté
preguntaste
él/ella/ustedpreguntó
nosotrospreguntamos
vosotrospreguntasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedespreguntaron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yopregunte
preguntes
él/ella/ustedpregunte
nosotrospreguntemos
vosotrospreguntéis
ellos/ellas/ustedespregunten

Imperfect Subjunctive

yopreguntara/preguntase
preguntaras/preguntases
él/ella/ustedpreguntara/preguntase
nosotrospreguntáramos/preguntásemos
vosotrospreguntarais/preguntaseis
ellos/ellas/ustedespreguntaran/preguntasen

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pregunte" in Spanish:

i askedmay askshould ask

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pregunte

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'pregunte' correctly as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
preguntar(to ask)Verb
pregunta(question)Noun
preguntón(inquisitive person/nosy)Adjective / Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

'Preguntar' comes from the Latin verb *percontari*, which means 'to inquire' or 'to question carefully.' It shares its root with other related words across Romance languages.

First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: perguntarCatalan: preguntar

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'pregunte' the same as 'pregunta'?

No, they are different! 'Pregunta' is the normal present tense form used for 'he/she/it asks' or the informal command 'tú ask.' 'Pregunte' is the special form used for formal commands ('usted ask') or for expressing wishes and doubts (the subjunctive mood).

How do I know if 'pregunte' is a command or a subjunctive verb?

If it stands alone or starts a sentence directed at 'usted' (like 'Pregunte ahora!'), it’s a command. If it follows 'que' (like 'Espero que pregunte'), it is likely the subjunctive mood.