Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| chiedere | /ˈkjɛ.de.re/ /ˈkje.de.re/ |
| domandare | /do.manˈda.re/ |
| interrogare | /in.ter.roˈɡa.re/ |
The verb is used when you want to request an answer, an object, a favor or a piece of information.
Which one should you use?
chiedere is the most versatile and common way to say 'to ask', covering requests for things, favors or information. domandare is specifically used when the intent is to pose a question to obtain information. interrogare is a much stronger verb used for formal questioning, such as a teacher examining a student or police interrogating a suspect.
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking a person, you must use the preposition a before the person being asked (chiedere a qualcuno).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkjɛ.de.re/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying chiedere qualcuno to mean 'to ask someone'. In Italian, you must use the preposition a and say chiedere a qualcuno.
Did you know?
- While chiedere means 'to ask', it is also used in the phrase chiedere scusa to mean 'to apologize'.
- In Italian schools, interrogare refers to a specific ritual where a student is called to the front of the class to be orally examined by the teacher.
- The verb domandare is a close relative of the English word 'demand', though in Italian it is a standard way to say 'to ask'.
Examples in context
- So a chi chiedere.I know who to ask.This sentence shows how to use chiedere to indicate who to ask.Tatoeba #13698033 by Guybrush88, translation #8825032 by CK
- Io chiederei a Tom.I'd ask Tom.This sentence demonstrates a conditional use of chiedere.Tatoeba #2551915 by Guybrush88, translation #2235744 by CK
- Lo chiederei a lui.I'd ask him.This sentence shows how to use a pronoun with chiedere.Tatoeba #5726416 by Guybrush88, translation #3920223 by CH
- Posso domandarle qualcosa?May I ask you something?
- Posso domandarti una cosa?Can I ask you something?
- Posso chiederti un favore?Can I ask you a favor?
- Posso farti una domanda?Can I ask you a question?
- Dove si trova il bagno?Where is the bathroom?
- 648 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are talking in a cafe.
- GiuliaLorenzo, posso chiederti un consiglio?Lorenzo, can I ask you for some advice?
- LorenzoCerto, dimmi pure.Of course, go ahead.
- GiuliaCosa dovrei chiedere al capo?What should I ask the boss?
- LorenzoChiedi un aumento!Ask for a raise!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask” translations and entries chiedere, domandare, interrogare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiedere, domandare, interrogare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
