English “ask” can describe a request or a question; Spanish often chooses different verbs.

The idea

Use pedir to request a thing or action: pedir ayuda. Use preguntar to pose a question or ask about a topic: preguntar por el horario. Both can be used when seeking information, with different constructions.

Examples

  • Pido una mesa para dos.I ask for a table for two.
  • Pregunto por el horario de apertura.I ask about the opening hours.
  • ¿Puedes pedir ayuda en recepción?Can you ask for help at reception?
  • Ella pregunta cuándo abre el museo.She asks when the museum opens.
  • Pedimos la cuenta al camarero.We ask the waiter for the bill.
  • Pregunto el precio del billete.I ask the price of the ticket.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not assume that information always requires preguntar: pedir información is also natural. Pay attention to what follows each verb.

Try it yourself

  1. Request help as something needed. Puedo ___ ayuda. (pedir / preguntar)

    Show answer or example answer

    pedir

    Pedir requests help as something wanted.

  2. Ask about the timetable. Voy a ___ por el horario. (preguntar / pedir)

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    preguntar

    Preguntar por asks about the timetable.

  3. Request the bill. Quiero ___ la cuenta. (pedir / preguntar)

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    pedir

    Pedir requests the bill.

Use it today

Ask for a table and then ask about the opening time using the appropriate verb.