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How to Say "to ask" in Spanish

English → Spanish

preguntar

preh-goon-TAHRpɾe.ɣunˈtaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'preguntar' when you want to pose a question or inquire about something.
A small child leaning forward to ask a question to an older person wearing an apron.

Examples

Necesito preguntar algo al profesor sobre la tarea.

I need to ask the teacher something about the homework.

¿Qué hora es? Siempre pregunto la misma cosa.

What time is it? I always ask the same thing.

Ella preguntó por su salud después de la operación.

She asked about his health after the operation.

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.

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'.

encargar

en-kar-GAReŋ.kaɾˈɣaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'encargar' when you are requesting someone to do something for you or to bring you something, similar to 'to order' or 'to request'.
A friendly baker in a white apron handing a freshly baked box of pastries to a waiting customer.

Examples

Encargué una pizza para la cena.

I ordered a pizza for dinner.

Le encargué el proyecto a María.

I put Mary in charge of the project.

Te encargo que compres leche al volver.

I'm asking you to buy milk on your way back.

Two different uses

You can 'encargar' an object (order something) OR 'encargar' a person (give someone a task). The structure changes: 'encargar algo' vs 'encargar a alguien'.

The que construction

When you want someone to do something, use 'encargar que + subjunctive': 'Te encargo que Llegues temprano' (I ask you to arrive early).

Reflexive form

'Encargarse de' means 'to take care of' or 'to handle': 'Yo me encargo de la cocina' (I'll take care of the kitchen).

Missing the preposition

Mistake: “Decir 'encargar algo' when giving a task to a person”

Correction: Use 'encargar algo a alguien': 'Le encargué el trabajo a Juan' (I assigned the work to Juan), not 'encargué Juan el trabajo'.

Wrong verb form after que

Mistake: “Using the infinitive after 'encargar que'”

Correction: Use the subjunctive: 'Te encargo que vengas' (I ask you to come), not 'te encargo venir'.

formular

for-moo-larfoɾmuˈlaɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'formular' specifically when you are formally posing or phrasing a question, often in an academic or official setting.
A child raising their hand with a bright idea bubble above their head in a classroom setting.

Examples

Tengo que formular una pregunta para el profesor.

I have to phrase a question for the teacher.

Es difícil formular mis sentimientos con palabras.

It is difficult to put my feelings into words.

El abogado formuló una queja ante el juez.

The lawyer lodged a complaint before the judge.

When to use Formular vs. Hacer

Use 'hacer' for casual questions. Use 'formular' when you want to sound precise, such as in a debate or a professional email.

A Regular Action Word

This verb follows the standard pattern for -ar verbs, meaning the endings stay very predictable in every tense.

The 'Ask' Confusion

Mistake: “Don't say 'formular una respuesta' when you mean 'give an answer'.”

Correction: Say 'dar una respuesta'. 'Formular' is for the process of building the sentence or question itself.

General Question vs. Specific Request

The most common mistake is using 'preguntar' when you actually mean to request or order something. Remember that 'encargar' is for tasks or items you want someone to provide, while 'preguntar' is solely for seeking information.

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