# Pedir vs preguntar: requesting vs asking

> id: contrast.pedir-preguntar · category: contrast · depth: standard · levels: A2 · review: internally_reviewed

**Summary.** Pedir = ask FOR something (pedí la cuenta, te pido un favor); preguntar = ask a question (pregunta cuánto cuesta). Preguntar por = ask about/after.

Both translate as 'to ask', but they ask for different things. Pedir is to ask for something — to request: pedí la cuenta, te pido un favor, pedir permiso. Preguntar is to ask a question — to seek information: preguntó cuánto cuesta, pregúntale dónde queda.

Their grammar follows the meaning. Pedir takes a thing or a request, and with que + subjunctive expresses asking someone to do something: me pidió que esperara. Preguntar takes a question, often with si or a question word: preguntó si veníamos, preguntó qué hora era.

Two fixed points: preguntar por means 'to ask about/after' someone or something — preguntó por vos ('she asked about you'); and you say hacer una pregunta ('to ask a question'), never *preguntar una pregunta.

## Examples
- Pedile el número y preguntale a qué hora atiende. — Ask him for the number and ask him what time he's open.
- Tu mamá preguntó por vos. — Your mom asked about you.
- Le pedí ayuda y de paso le pregunté cómo estaba. — I asked him for help and, while I was at it, asked how he was.

Related: grammar.subjunctive.wishes-requests, grammar.questions.indirect

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