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"Pedir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to ask for", and "preguntar por" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to ask about". Learn more about the difference between "pedir" and "preguntar por" below.
pedir(
peh
-
deer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to solicit)
b. to ask
No necesitas pedir permiso para ir al baño.You don't have to ask permission to go to the bathroom.
c. to request
Si tienes más de 1,000 puntos, puedes pedir un regalo.If you have more than 1,000 points, you can request a gift.
a. to beg
Había muchos indigentes pidiendo dinero en el metro.There were lots of homeless people begging for money in the metro.
4. (commerce)
b. to ask for (a price)
Están pidiendo $300 por taquilla para el concierto.They're asking $300 per ticket for the concert.
5. (to command)
b. to request
Los clientes pueden pedir en todo momento un libro de reclamaciones.Customers may request a complaints book at any time.
6. (to require)
a. to need
Esta posición pide un mínimo de cinco años de experiencia.This position needs a minimum of five years of work experience.
b. to cry out for
Este cachorro pide atención constantemente.This puppy is constantly crying out for attention.
8. (legal)
a. to ask for
El acusado le pidió al juez una sentencia más corta.The defendant asked the judge for a shorter sentence.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to order
¿Me da un minuto, por favor? Aún no sé lo que voy a pedir.Would you give me another minute, please? I still don't know what I'm going to order.
10. (religious)
a. to pray
Mi abuela siempre pedía por cada uno de sus nietos.My grandmother used to pray for each and every one of her grandchildren.
pedirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
11. (to claim)
a. to call dibs on (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¡Me pido el asiento delantero!I call dibs on the front seat!
b. to bag (colloquial) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Alguien ya se había pedido la mesa de la ventana.Someone had already bagged the table by the window.
a. to order oneself
Voy a pedirme un café. ¿Quieres algo?I'm going to order myself a coffee. Do you want something?
preguntar por(
preh
-
goon
-
tahr
pohr
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to ask about
Le pregunté por su nuevo trabajo, y me dijo que le gusta mucho.I asked him about his new job, and he said he likes it a lot.
b. to ask after
Si ves a Ana, no te olvides de preguntarle por su padre. Ha estado un poco pachucho últimamenteIf you see Ana, don't forget to ask after her father. He's been a bit poorly lately.
c. to inquire about
Una pareja vino a preguntar por el apartamento que está en alquiler.A couple came to inquire about the apartment that is for rent.
d. to enquire about
Mucha gente ha llamado para preguntar por el anuncio de la vacante.A lot of people have called to enquire about the ad for the vacancy.
a. to ask for
Hay una señora al teléfono que pregunta por usted.There's a lady on the phone who's asking for you.
