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"Inquire" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "preguntar", and "ask" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "preguntar". Learn more about the difference between "inquire" and "ask" below.
inquire()
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. preguntar
Sam inquired about the price of the tickets.Sam preguntó por el precio de las entradas.
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.).
ask()
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to inquire)
a. preguntar
I wanted to ask you if you could help me move the piano.Quería preguntarte si puedes ayudarme a mover el piano.
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?
