Pedir vs. preguntar
Pedir and preguntar can both mean “to ask,” but they have fundamental differences.
Pedir is generally used to make a request (to ask for something).
Preguntar is generally used to ask a factual question (to ask a question).
Let’s first take a look at their conjugations.
pedir (It’s a stem changing verb, ei)
pido
pides
pide
pedimos
pedís
piden
preguntar (It’s a regular verb)
pregunto
preguntas
pregunta
preguntamos
preguntáis
preguntan
In the following examples, try to notice the differences in how and when each verb is
used.
Ella pide ayuda.
She asks for help (request).
Ella pregunta qué hora es.
She asks what time it is (factual question).
Mi hermano siempre pide dinero.
My brother always asks for money.
Le voy a preguntar a mi maestro.
I’m going to ask my teacher.
Note: pedir can be translated as “to ask for.” However, it does not require the use of
the preposition por. That is why the sentence above is “Ella pide ayuda”, NOT "Ella
pide por ayuda."
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