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"Ask" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "preguntar", and "inquire" is an intransitive verb which is also often translated as "preguntar". Learn more about the difference between "ask" and "inquire" 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?
inquire(
ihn
-
kway
-
uhr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. preguntar
Good morning, I'd like to inquire about the open position.Buenos días, me gustaría preguntar acerca del puesto vacante.
I called the human resources department to inquire about my application, but they wouldn't give me any information.Llamé al departamento de recursos humanos para preguntar sobre mi solicitud, pero no pude conseguir ninguna información.
b. informarse
I'm calling to inquire about internship opportunities within your company.Llamo para informarme sobre la posibilidad de hacer pasantías en su empresa.
a. investigar
The police are inquiring into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.La policía está investigando las circunstancias de su desaparición.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
