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"Ask" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "preguntar", and "ask for" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "pedir". Learn more about the difference between "ask" and "ask for" below.
ask(
ahsk
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to inquire)
2. (to invite)
a. invitar
It takes a lot of guts to ask the most popular girl in school to the dance.Requiere valentía invitar a la chica más popular de la escuela al baile.
3. (to request)
a. pedir
I'm going to ask her to marry me while we are in Hawaii.Voy a pedirle que se case conmigo cuando estemos en Hawai.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to inquire)
a. preguntar
Are you married, if you don't mind me asking?¿Estás casado? Si me permites que te pregunte.
5. (to request)
a. pedir
How do you know he won't let you borrow his car if you don't ask?¿Cómo sabes que no te prestaría su carro si no se lo pides?
ask for(
ahsk
for
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to request)
a. preguntar por
Son, one of your friends is asking for you at the door.Hijo, hay uno de tus amigos en la puerta preguntando por ti.
