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A simple storybook illustration showing a young girl leaning slightly towards a young boy, extending her hand in an open, inquisitive gesture, representing the act of asking him a question.

pregúntale

preh-GOON-tah-leh

Verb formA2regular ar
Ask him?Informal command to ask a male person.,Ask her?Informal command to ask a female person.,Ask (formal you)?Informal command to ask a formal person (Usted).
Also:Put the question to him/her?More formal phrasing.

Quick Reference

infinitivepreguntar
gerundpreguntando
past Participlepreguntado

📝 In Action

Si no sabes la respuesta, pregúntale a María.

A2

If you don't know the answer, ask Maria (her).

No me digas a mí, pregúntale al jefe.

B1

Don't tell me, ask the boss (him).

Pregúntale si quiere venir con nosotros.

A2

Ask him/her if he/she wants to come with us.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • consúltale (consult him/her)
  • interrógale (interrogate him/her (stronger))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pregúntale sobre el viaje – ask him/her about the trip
  • pregúntale por su nombre – ask him/her for his/her name

💡 Grammar Points

A Command Word with an Attached Pronoun

This word is a single command formed by sticking two parts together: the informal command 'pregunta' (ask) and the pronoun 'le' (to him/her/you formal). This is common for affirmative commands in Spanish.

Why the Accent Mark?

The original command 'pregunta' has stress on the second syllable ('gun'). When you add 'le,' the word gets longer, but the stress must stay in the same spot. The accent mark (´) makes sure you pronounce it correctly: pre-GÚN-ta-le.

'Le' is the Receiver of the Action

The pronoun 'le' tells you who you are asking the question to (him, her, or formal you). The question itself is the direct object, but 'le' is the person receiving the question.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Accent

Mistake: "Using 'preguntale' instead of 'pregúntale'."

Correction: Always add the accent mark when you attach one or more pronouns to a command that has two or more syllables. Otherwise, the stress shifts to the last syllable, which is incorrect.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Formal Version

If you need to give this command formally (to someone you call Usted), you must use the formal command form: 'Pregúntele'. Note the difference in the verb ending!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pregúntale

Question 1 of 2

If you are talking to your boss (whom you call Usted) and want to tell him to ask his assistant, which word should you use?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

preguntar(to ask) - verb
la pregunta(the question) - noun
preguntón/preguntona(nosy person / incessant asker) - adjective/noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'pregúntale' and 'pregúntalo'?

'Pregúntale' uses 'le' (indirect object), which means 'ask *to him/her*'. 'Pregúntalo' uses 'lo' (direct object), which means 'ask *it*' (referring to a thing, like a specific question or detail). You use 'le' when referring to a person.

How do I make 'pregúntale' negative?

Negative commands place the pronoun *before* the verb and require the subjunctive form. You would say, 'No le preguntes' (Don't ask him/her).