Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| preguntar | /pɾeɡunˈtaɾ/ | |
| preduntar | /pɾeduntaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Chile |
The verb preguntar is used specifically when you are requesting information or an answer. In contrast, if you are asking for an object or a favor, you should use pedir.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form preduntar is a regional variation of the verb used in Chile.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you ask a person a question, you must include the preposition a before the person, following the structure preguntar algo a alguien.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾeɡunˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use preguntar when they actually mean to ask for an object. In those cases, you should use pedir instead.
When do people say it?
To show courtesy in formal situations, you can use polite phrases such as ¿Podría hacerle una pregunta? (Could I ask you a question?) or ¿Le importaría responderme? (Would you mind answering me?). In Spain, the phrase formular una pregunta is used to mean 'to formulate a question'.
Did you know?
- The verb preguntar comes from the Latin percontārī, which originally meant 'to examine' or 'to investigate' thoroughly.
- While preguntar means 'to ask', the expression preguntarse is used as a reflexive verb to mean 'to wonder'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking a direct question to a stranger may be preceded by disculpe to avoid sounding abrupt.
Examples in context
- Le preguntaré a Tom.I'll ask Tom.This sentence shows how to use preguntar to indicate the person being asked.Tatoeba #6031423 by albrusgher, translation #2235746 by CK
- Es mejor no preguntar.It's better not to ask.This sentence illustrates a common phrase using preguntar.Tatoeba #10274484 by manufrutos, translation #10259908 by Polgar1
- No me deja preguntarte.He won't let me ask you.This sentence demonstrates a way to use preguntar in a negative context.Tatoeba #1129916 by cueyayotl, translation #4476873 by slyfin
- Me gustaría preguntarle sobre su experienciaI would like to ask you about your experience
- El detective indagó sobre el paradero del sospechosoThe detective asked about the whereabouts of the suspect
- Espero poder solicitar más detalles sobre el proyectoI hope to be able to request more details about the project
- Le pedí que me ayudara con la tareaI asked him/her to help me with the homework
- Le pregunté por su película favoritaI asked him/her about their favorite movie
- Mi amiga me consultó sobre qué regalo comprarle a su madreMy friend asked me for advice on what gift to buy for her mother
- Le voy a hacer una pregunta al profesorI'm going to ask the teacher a question
- Voy a formularle una pregunta al ponenteI'm going to ask the speaker a question
- 226 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are in a classroom.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿puedo preguntar algo?Daniel, can I ask something?
- DanielSí, claro. Dime.Yes, of course. Tell me.
- SofíaQuiero preguntar sobre la tarea.I want to ask about the homework.
- DanielPregunta al profesor ahora.Ask the teacher now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask” translations and entries preguntar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries preguntar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
