Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| rogar | /roˈɡaɾ/ |
| suplicar | /supliˈkaɾ/ |
| deprecar | /depɾeˈkaɾ/ |
The verb is used to plead with someone for help. When you want to beg for a specific object or thing, use the preposition por after the verb, such as rogar por ayuda (to beg for help).
Which one should you use?
While rogar is the standard way to say to beg, suplicar is a more intense, formal and emotionally charged version often used in literature or high-stakes situations. It can be translated as to implore or to beseech. Additionally, the adjective suplicante can be used to describe a person or a tone of voice that is begging or pleading.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form ruega is used when telling someone 'beg!' in an informal context (tú).
How do you pronounce it?
/roˈɡaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse rogar (to beg/plead) with robar (to steal) because they are spelled similarly. Ensure you use the 'g' when you mean begging.
Did you know?
- The verb rogar is a doublet of the Latin regō, the same root that gave English the word 'regal' and the concept of a 'ruler'.
- The verb rogar is frequently used in formal emails and letters as a polite way to request something, such as se ruega puntualidad to ask for punctuality.
- In certain Spanish dialects, the term mendigar is used specifically for the act of begging for money on the streets, distinguishing it from the emotional act of 'rogar'.
Examples in context
- Ruega lo que quieras: igual no te diré el secreto.Beg as much as you want: I won't tell you the secret anyway.This sentence shows the use of the imperative form of rogar.
- Cuando solo queda la muerte, el último recurso es rogar por comida.When only death remains, the last resort is to beg for food.This sentence demonstrates using rogar to express begging for a basic necessity like food.Tatoeba #1110872 by jmdm78, translation #997785 by NickC
- Suplico su ayudaI beg for your help
- Les pido encarecidamente su apoyoI earnestly beg for your support
- Rogamos por su comprensiónWe beg for your understanding
- Le ruego que me ayudeI beg you to help me
- Suplico su amable ayuda con este asunto tan urgenteI beg for your kind assistance with this urgent matter
- Le tengo que rogar a mi jefe para que me dé el día libre.I have to beg my boss to give me the day off.
Example conversation
Lucía is asking Alejandro to help her with a difficult task.
- LucíaAlejandro, por favor, no me dejes sola con este proyecto.Alejandro, please, don't leave me alone with this project.
- AlejandroNo tienes que rogarme, te ayudaré con gusto.You don't have to beg me, I will help you gladly.
- Lucía¡Gracias! Eres un gran amigo.Thank you! You are a great friend.
- AlejandroDe nada, Lucía, siempre puedes contar conmigo.You're welcome, Lucía, you can always count on me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beg” translations and entries rogar, suplicar, deprecar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deprecar, rogar, suplicar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
