Pedir vs Preguntar

Meaning

Pedir means to ask for or to request something. Preguntar means to ask a question or to ask for information.

How to use it

• pedir algo — to ask for something
• pedir algo a alguien — to ask someone for something
• preguntar algo — to ask something
• preguntar por alguien o algo — to ask about someone or something

Examples

Voy a pedir un café.

I’m going to order a coffee.

Le pedí ayuda a Marta.

I asked Marta for help.

Quiero preguntarte algo.

I want to ask you something.

Le pregunté la hora.

I asked him what time it was.

Pregunté por Ana en recepción.

I asked for Ana at reception.

Quick note

Think about what follows ask in English: use pedir for a thing or request, and preguntar for a question or information.