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How to Say "you order" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pides

PEE-des/ˈpi.ðes/

verbA1informal
Use this form when directly asking one person (tú) what they want to order for food, drinks, or other items, often in an informal setting.
A simple storybook illustration of a person standing at a brightly lit cafe counter, pointing towards a stylized picture of a sandwich on a menu board, indicating they are placing an order.

Examples

¿Qué pides de postre cuando vas a ese restaurante?

What do you order for dessert when you go to that restaurant?

Si pides la pizza ahora, estará lista en veinte minutos.

If you order the pizza now, it will be ready in twenty minutes.

piden

/PEE-den//ˈpi.ðen/

verbA2formal/plural
This form is used when referring to multiple people (ellos/ellas) or formally to a group (ustedes) ordering something, especially in a context like a restaurant.
A storybook illustration of a restaurant scene where a server is attentively writing down an order from two seated customers.

Examples

Piden la paella porque es la especialidad de la casa.

They are ordering the paella because it is the specialty of the house.

¿Qué piden ustedes para beber?

What are you (plural formal) ordering to drink?

Los clientes piden todos los postres para probarlos.

The customers are ordering all the desserts to try them.

Ordering is 'Asking For'

In Spanish, ordering food is simply a specific way of 'asking for' it, so 'pedir' is used, not a separate verb like 'to order'.

Using 'Ordenar' for Food

Mistake: “Ellos ordenan pizza.”

Correction: Ellos piden pizza. ('Ordenar' means 'to organize' or 'to command,' not usually 'to order food.')

pidas

/PEE-dahs//ˈpiðas/

verbB1any
This is the subjunctive form used when telling or asking one person (tú) not to order something, expressing a desire or command indirectly.
A small child reaching out their hand while looking up expectantly at an adult to request a colorful balloon.

Examples

No quiero que pidas pizza otra vez.

I don't want you to order pizza again.

Es mejor que le pidas perdón.

It is better that you ask him/her for forgiveness.

Cuando pidas el favor, sé amable.

When you ask for the favor, be kind.

The 'E to I' Swap

In this verb, the middle 'e' changes to an 'i' in this special form (pidas). This is very common for 'ir' verbs when we use them for wishes or commands.

When to use 'Pidas'

Use this form when you want someone else to do something (e.g., 'I want you to ask...') or when giving a negative command ('Don't ask').

Asking for things vs. Asking questions

Mistake: “No quiero que preguntes café.”

Correction: No quiero que pidas café. Use 'pedir' when you want an object or a favor; use 'preguntar' only for seeking information or a question.

Informal vs. Formal 'You'

The most common mistake is confusing 'pides' (informal 'you') with 'pide' (formal 'you' singular, not provided but related) or 'piden' (plural/formal 'you'). Remember 'pides' is for tú, while 'piden' can be for ustedes (plural/formal you) or ellos/ellas (they).

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