Inklingo

How to Say "to request" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pedir

/peh-deer//peˈðiɾ/

verbA1
Use 'pedir' for everyday, general requests for objects, services, or actions, similar to 'to ask for'. It's the most common and versatile option.
A small child reaching towards a colorful toy block on a floor, looking up at an adult standing nearby, indicating they are asking for the object.

Examples

Voy a pedir ayuda con mi tarea.

I'm going to ask for help with my homework.

Ella me pidió un favor muy grande.

She asked me for a very big favor.

Siempre piden más tiempo para terminar el proyecto.

They always ask for more time to finish the project.

The 'e' Changes to 'i'

This verb is a 'stem-changer'. In many forms, like 'yo pido' (I ask for), the 'e' in the stem changes to an 'i'. Notice this doesn't happen in 'nosotros pedimos' (we ask for).

'To Ask For' is Built-in

In English, we say 'ask for something'. In Spanish, 'pedir' already includes the idea of 'for'. So, you just say 'pido un café' (I ask for a coffee), not 'pido por un café'.

Pedir vs. Preguntar

Mistake: “¿Puedo pedirte una pregunta?”

Correction: ¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta? Use 'pedir' to ask FOR something (an object, a favor). Use 'preguntar' or 'hacer una pregunta' to ask a question (information).

solicitar

/so-lee-see-TAR//solisiˈtaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'solicitar' for formal requests, especially when applying for jobs, positions, or official documents and information.
A person handing a formal folder to an office worker across a desk.

Examples

He decidido solicitar el puesto de gerente.

I have decided to apply for the manager position.

Usted debe solicitar su pasaporte en la embajada.

You must request your passport at the embassy.

Es posible solicitar una prórroga para el pago.

It is possible to request an extension for the payment.

No 'for' needed

In English, you 'apply for' something. In Spanish, you don't need a word for 'for.' You simply 'solicitar' the thing directly.

Formality level

While 'pedir' is used for asking for a pizza or a favor from a friend, 'solicitar' is used for things involving paperwork, authorities, or official processes.

Using 'para'

Mistake: “Solicitar para un trabajo.”

Correction: Solicitar un trabajo. (Spanish verbs like this include the idea of 'for' inside the word itself.)

The 'Aplicar' confusion

Mistake: “Aplicar a un puesto.”

Correction: Solicitar un puesto. (Using 'aplicar' like the English 'apply' is common in Spanglish, but 'solicitar' is the correct formal Spanish term.)

rogar

/ro-GAHR//roˈɡaɾ/

verbB1very formal
Use 'rogar' for very strong, earnest, or desperate requests, often implying begging or pleading. It's highly formal and used less frequently.
A person with their hands clasped together in a pleading gesture, looking up with a hopeful and emotional expression.

Examples

Te ruego que me perdones.

I beg you to forgive me.

Le rogamos que no fume en el edificio.

We request that you do not smoke in the building.

El niño rogó por un juguete nuevo.

The boy pleaded for a new toy.

The 'o' to 'ue' Switch

This verb changes its 'o' to 'ue' in almost all present forms. However, this change does NOT happen in the 'nosotros' (we) or 'vosotros' (you all) forms.

Triggering the Special Form

When you use 'rogar' to ask someone to do something (using 'que'), the verb that follows must use the subjunctive (special wish form), like: 'Ruego que vengas' (I beg that you come).

Spelling in the Past

Mistake: “yo rogé”

Correction: yo rogué. In the 'I' form of the past tense, you must add a 'u' after the 'g' to keep the hard 'g' sound.

Pedir vs. Solicitar

Learners often confuse 'pedir' and 'solicitar'. Remember that 'pedir' is for everyday asks, while 'solicitar' is for formal applications or official requests. Using 'pedir' in a job application would sound too informal.

Related Translations

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