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"Preguntar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to ask", and "preguntar por" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to ask about". Learn more about the difference between "preguntar" and "preguntar por" below.
preguntar(
preh
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goon
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tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to ask
Por favor, pregunte a su hija si vendrá a la cena.Please, ask your daughter if she is coming for dinner.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to ask about
Si pregunta por el libro, dile que está en la biblioteca.If she asks about the book, tell her it's at the library.
preguntarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
preguntar por(
preh
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goon
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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.
