How to Say "request" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “request” is “pida” — use this verb form when asking someone (or telling someone to ask) to do something, often in a polite or general way..
pida
/pee-dah//ˈpi.ða/
Examples
Quiero que él pida disculpas por lo que hizo.
I want him to ask for forgiveness for what he did.
Es necesario que yo pida el recibo antes de salir.
It is necessary that I ask for the receipt before leaving.
Señora, pida lo que quiera, la casa invita.
Ma'am, order whatever you want, the house is paying (treating).
The Subjunctive Form
The form 'pida' is used when talking about wishes, emotions, commands, or uncertainty, usually after a verb of influence (like 'querer que' or 'necesitar que').
Formal Command
'Pida' is the polite way to tell someone (Usted) to ask for or order something: 'Pida el menú' (Order the menu).
The E-to-I Change
The base verb is 'pedir,' but in many forms, the 'e' changes to an 'i' (pida, pido, pidiendo). Watch out for this change in all subjunctive and most present tense forms.
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: “Using *pedas* instead of *pidas* (Tú form).”
Correction: Always use the 'i' in the present subjunctive: *pida/pidas/pidamos*. This verb is irregular!
petición
Examples
Firmamos una petición para que el ayuntamiento repare la calle.
We signed a petition for the city council to repair the street.
solicitud
soh-lee-see-TOOD/soliθiˈtuð/
Examples
Debes rellenar la solicitud antes del viernes.
You must fill out the application before Friday.
Hemos enviado una solicitud de préstamo al banco.
We have sent a loan request to the bank.
La universidad revisará todas las solicitudes de ingreso.
The university will review all admission applications.
Always Feminine
Remember that 'solicitud' is a feminine noun, so you must always use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la solicitud aprobada'.
Confusing Nouns for Request
Mistake: “Using 'petición' when referring to a formal document, like a job application.”
Correction: Use 'solicitud' for official, usually written, applications or documents. Use 'petición' for more general or verbal requests.
demanda
/deh-MAHN-dah//deˈmanda/
Examples
La demanda de coches eléctricos ha crecido mucho este año.
The demand for electric cars has grown a lot this year.
Si sube el precio, la demanda suele bajar.
If the price goes up, the demand usually falls.
Hay una gran demanda de personal cualificado en el sector tecnológico.
There is a great demand for qualified personnel in the technology sector.
Always Feminine
Remember that 'demanda' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it.
Confusing with 'Pregunta'
Mistake: “Using 'demanda' when you mean a simple question.”
Correction: 'Demanda' implies a strong need or a formal requirement; use 'pregunta' for a simple question.
pedido
peh-DEE-doh/peˈðiðo/
Examples
El presidente ignoró nuestro pedido de reforma.
The president ignored our request for reform.
Ella hizo un pedido desesperado de ayuda financiera.
She made a desperate appeal for financial help.
ruego
/RWEH-goh//ˈrwe.ɣo/
Examples
Su ruego fue tan sincero que no pude negarme.
His plea was so sincere that I couldn't refuse.
Hizo un ruego a las autoridades para que revisaran el caso.
He made a request to the authorities to review the case.
En respuesta a mi ruego, la empresa me dio otra oportunidad.
In response to my entreaty, the company gave me another chance.
Masculine Noun
Even though it ends in '-o', remember 'ruego' is always a masculine word, so you must use 'el ruego' or 'un ruego'.
invitación
Examples
Necesito enviar las invitaciones antes del viernes.
I need to send the invitations before Friday.
petición
Examples
La aplicación envió una petición HTTP al servidor.
The application sent an HTTP request to the server.
Choosing between 'petición' and 'solicitud'
Related Translations
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