Pedir vs Preguntar: Two Ways to 'Ask' in Spanish

Spanish has two verbs for “ask” — and using the wrong one is a common mistake that can change your meaning entirely.

The rule is simple: pedir means to ask for something (a request); preguntar means to ask a question (seeking information).

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Pedir (To Ask For / To Request)

Use pedir when you’re asking for a thing, action, or favor — you want someone to give you something or do something for you:

Asking for objects or services

• Pide la cuenta. — Ask for the bill.
• Pedí un café con leche. — I ordered a café con leche. (lit: I asked for a coffee)
• Pide prestado el coche. — Ask to borrow the car.
• ¿Puedo pedir más pan? — Can I ask for more bread?

Making requests of people

• Pedí ayuda a mi amigo. — I asked my friend for help.
• El jefe nos pidió que llegáramos temprano. — The boss asked us to arrive early.
• Te pido un favor. — I’m asking you for a favor.
• Me pidió que guardara el secreto. — He asked me to keep the secret.

Ordering food and drinks

In restaurants, pedir is the standard verb for ordering:

• ¿Qué vas a pedir? — What are you going to order?
• Pedimos dos cervezas. — We ordered two beers.

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Preguntar (To Ask a Question)

Use preguntar when you’re asking for information — you have a question and want an answer:

Asking questions directly

• Preguntó si podía venir. — He asked if he could come.
• Pregunta la dirección. — Ask for the address. (ask the question “where is it?”)
• ¿Me puedes preguntar eso más tarde? — Can you ask me that later?

Preguntar por — asking about someone

Preguntar por means to ask about someone or to inquire after someone:

• Pregunté por ti. — I asked about you. (I asked how you were doing)
• Llama y pregunta por el director. — Call and ask for the manager. (ask to speak to them)
• Siempre preguntan por la salud de mi madre. — They always ask about my mother’s health.

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Side by Side

The same English phrase “ask for the manager” can mean two different things:

• Pide hablar con el gerente. — Ask to speak with the manager. (a request to get access)
• Pregunta por el gerente. — Ask for the manager. (inquire if they’re available / call for them)

Both translate to “ask for the manager” in English, but the Spanish distinction is clear.

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The Easy Test

Ask yourself: what is the “ask” doing?

• Making a request, wanting something? → pedir
• Seeking information with a question? → preguntar

Situation	Verb	Example
You want the salt	pedir	Pide la sal.
You want to know the time	preguntar	Pregunta qué hora es.
You’re ordering food	pedir	Pedí paella.
You’re asking someone’s name	preguntar	Pregunta cómo se llama.
You want a favor	pedir	Le pedí un favor.
You want directions	preguntar	Pregunta cómo llegar.
You’re asking someone out	pedir	La pidió en cita.

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Related Expressions

Pedir family:

• pedir disculpas — to apologize (ask for forgiveness)
• pedir prestado — to borrow (ask to borrow)
• a pedido — by request
• pedir la palabra — to ask to speak (in a meeting)

Preguntar family:

• hacerse preguntas — to wonder / ask oneself questions
• preguntar de examen — exam question
• sin preguntar — without asking (without question)

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