preguntando
/pɾeɡuntando/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for asking is preguntando.
preguntando is the form used to describe the act of requesting information by posing a question. In Spanish, the most common and general verb for 'asking' is preguntar. When you are asking about a specific topic or inquiring about someone's well-being, you will often use the phrase preguntar por.
How does it change in a sentence?
preguntando is the gerund, or present participle, of the verb preguntar.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾeɡuntando/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse preguntar with pedir. Use preguntar when you are asking a question to get information, but use pedir when you are asking for an object or a favor.
Did you know?
- The word preguntón is used to describe someone who is 'too fond of asking', often implying the person is nosy or overly inquisitive.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, 'asking' someone their age or salary is considered an intrusive breach of etiquette, unlike in more direct English-speaking contexts.
- In colloquial Spanish, 'asking' for a favor often involves the phrase hacer un favor, effectively turning the act of asking into the act of 'making' a favor.
Examples in context
- No te estoy preguntando eso.I'm not asking you about that.This sentence is useful for showing how to use preguntando in a negative statement.Tatoeba #1883274 by marcelostockle, translation #1883282 by marcelostockle
- ¿Sabes lo que estás preguntando?Do you know what you're asking?This sentence uses preguntando to pose a question about the subject's own inquiry.Tatoeba #514885 by Shishir, translation #17271 by CK
- Estaba preguntando por tu salud.He was asking about your health.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase to inquire about someone's well-being with preguntando.Tatoeba #2056524 by lazarus1907, translation #288749 by CM
- ¿Puedo pedirte un favor?Can I ask/request you a favor?
- Ruego me disculpe por el retraso.I beg your pardon for the delay.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía is talking to Alejandro about a coworker.
- SofíaHola, Alejandro. ¿Qué estás haciendo?Hi, Alejandro. What are you doing?
- AlejandroEstoy preguntando dónde está la oficina.I am asking where the office is.
- SofíaYa lo sabes, está al final del pasillo.You already know, it's at the end of the hall.
- AlejandroTienes razón, no hace falta seguir preguntando.You're right, there's no need to keep asking.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
