chiedere
/ˈkjɛ.de.re/
To ask for is translated into Italian as chiedere.
chiedere is a common way to say 'ask for' in Italian.
Meaning: request (verb)
Which one should you use?
While chiedere can mean 'to ask for' something, it is also used to mean 'to ask' a question. In contrast, domandare is more specifically used for the act of questioning.
How does it change in a sentence?
chiedere is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition like 'for' to indicate the object being requested.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of chiedere is /ˈkjɛ.de.re/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say chiedere per when translating 'ask for'. Instead, use chiedere directly with the object.
Did you know?
- If you are 'asking for trouble' in Italian, you do not use chiedere but instead use the expression cercare guai, which literally means 'looking for troubles'.
- The Italian word chiedere is a distant relative of the English word 'query'. Both originate from the Latin quaerere, meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask'.
- In Italian, you can chiedere scusa to 'ask for forgiveness' or 'apologize', treating the apology as a tangible object you are requesting from the other person.
Examples in context
- Non chiedere dei soldi.Don't ask for money.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use chiedere in a negative command regarding money.Tatoeba #3010785 by Guybrush88, translation #18567 by CK
- Va bene chiedere aiuto.It's OK to ask for help.This sentence shows how to use chiedere when talking about help.Tatoeba #9713298 by Guybrush88, translation #9479655 by DJ_Saidez
- Non chiedere mai l'ovvio.Never ask for the obvious.This sentence illustrates how to use chiedere when referring to the obvious.Tatoeba #5184738 by Guybrush88, translation #2503865 by BraveSentry
- Lei può richiedere maggiori informazioni presso l'ufficio informazioni.You can ask for more information at the information office.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are at a restaurant.
- FrancescoVorrei chiedere il conto, per favore.I would like to ask for the bill, please.
- MartinaLo chiedo io al cameriere.I will ask for it from the waiter.
- FrancescoGrazie, Martina. Chiedi anche dell'acqua.Thanks, Martina. Ask for some water too.
- MartinaCertamente, lo faccio subito.Certainly, I will do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask for” translations and entries chiedere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiedere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
