Two verbs for "to ask". Pedir = ask for something. Preguntar = ask a question.
Le pregunté su nombre. (I asked his name.)
Pregunta si puede venir. (She asks if she can come.)
Me preguntó dónde vivía. (He asked me where I lived.)
Preguntar por alguien = to ask about someone.
Le pedí un favor. (I asked him a favor.)
Pidió la cuenta. (He asked for the check.)
Te pido que vengas. (I ask you to come. — + subjunctive)
Me pidió dinero. (He asked me for money.)
| Preguntar (information) | Pedir (request/favor) |
|---|---|
| Le pregunté la hora. (I asked the time.) | Le pedí un café. (I ordered a coffee.) |
| Preguntó si venías. (Asked if you were coming.) | Pidió que vinieras. (Asked you to come.) |
| Pregunta por María. (Asks about María.) | Pide ayuda. (Asks for help.) |
Pedí una paella. (I ordered paella.) NOT Pregunté una paella
Pedir = to order food/drinks
Pedir la cuenta = to ask for the check
Also similar: buscar (to look for) — already includes "for"
Esperar (to wait for / to hope) — already includes "for"
Escuchar (to listen to) — already includes "to"
1. Le _____ la hora. (I asked the time — question)
2. Le _____ un favor. (I asked a favor — request)
3. En el restaurante: _____ una paella. (I ordered)
4. Me _____ dónde vivía. (He asked me where — question)
5. Te _____ que vengas. (I ask you to come — request)
6. _____ la cuenta, por favor. (ask for the check)
7. _____ por María. (asks about María)
8. Me _____ dinero. (He asked me for money)
9. _____ si puede venir. (She asks if...)
10. "Buscar" already includes _____ in its meaning.
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