Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| pedir prestado | /pediɾ pɾestado/ (from spelling rules) |
| tomar prestado | /tomaɾ pɾestado/ (from spelling rules) |
| emprestar | /empɾesˈtaɾ/ |
| sacar prestado | /sakaɾ pɾestado/ (from spelling rules) |
The various forms of borrow are used when you are the receiver of something temporarily. For more significant or formal matters, such as requesting a bank loan, you should use the phrase Solicitar un préstamo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pedir prestado literally means 'to ask for something lent'. It is composed of the verb pedir (to ask for) and the past participle prestado (lent).
Which one should you use?
While pedir prestado is the standard way to express borrowing, you may also see tomar prestado or sacar prestado used for the same purpose. Note the contrast with the single verb prestar, which means 'to lend'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, you might hear the informal phrase Agarrar prestado to mean 'to borrow'. Additionally, emprestar is a colloquial or non-standard form used in certain dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using pedir prestado with an object, you can place the object either between the two words or after the entire phrase, such as pedir prestado un libro or pedir un libro prestado.
How do you pronounce it?
/pediɾ pɾestado/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb prestar to mean 'to borrow'. Because it is similar to the English 'lend', English speakers often use it incorrectly. Remember that prestar is the action of the giver (to lend), not the receiver (to borrow).
Did you know?
- The verb sacar in sacar prestado may have evolved from the Gothic word sakan, which originally meant 'to dispute' or 'to rebuke'.
- Spanish lacks a single, dedicated verb for 'borrow' and instead uses phrases that emphasize the act of asking or taking.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo pedir prestado esto?Can I borrow this?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow a specific object using pedir prestado.Tatoeba #3779337 by cueyayotl, translation #3327411 by CK
- ¿Puedo tomar prestado este libro?May I borrow this book?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow a book using tomar prestado.Tatoeba #1677842 by teskmon, translation #56836 by CK
- ¿Puedo tomar prestado tu paraguas?Can I borrow your umbrella?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow an umbrella using tomar prestado.Tatoeba #1685574 by teskmon, translation #70644 by CK
- ¿Puedo pedir prestado tu libro?Can I borrow your book?
- Voy a solicitar un préstamo al banco para comprar una casa nueva.I'm going to request a loan from the bank to buy a new house.
- ¿Me puedes prestar tu bicicleta para ir al parque?Can you lend me your bicycle to go to the park?
- Le agarré prestado su teléfono para hacer una llamada rápida.I borrowed their phone to make a quick call.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are studying together in the library.
- ElenaOlvidé mi bolígrafo, ¿te puedo pedir prestado uno?I forgot my pen, can I borrow one from you?
- AlejandroClaro, Alejandro tiene varios en su mochila.Sure, Alejandro has several in his backpack.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, Elena. Solo devuélvemelo después.You're welcome, Elena. Just give it back to me later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “borrow” translations and entries emprestar, 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 emprestar, pedir, sacar, tomar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
