exigir
/eɡsiˈxiɾ/
In Spanish, to call for is expressed by exigir.
When you are demanding something from a specific person, you use the syntax exigir algo a alguien, placing the preposition a before the person.
Meaning: to request, demand (verb)
Which one should you use?
While exigir implies a forceful demand or requirement, pedir is a more neutral way to say 'to ask for' or 'to request'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite form of exigir is exigió, meaning 'he/she/it demanded'. The conditional form of exigir is exigiría, meaning 'would demand'.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡsiˈxiɾ/
Did you know?
- If you want to 'call for' a person (to go and get them), you should never use exigir. You would use ir a buscar instead, as exigir only refers to the demand itself, not the act of fetching someone.
- The word exigir comes from the Latin exigere, which combines the prefix 'ex-' (out) with 'agere' (to drive or do). This suggests a sense of 'driving something out' or 'pressing something forth' when making a demand.
- In political protests, signs often use exigimos to signal a non-negotiable demand to the government, making it the standard word for civic activism.
Examples in context
- La situación actual requiere medidas urgentes.The current situation calls for urgent measures.
- El informe demanda una revisión exhaustiva.The report calls for a thorough review.
- Me pides ayuda y yo acudiré.You call for help, and I will come.
- No puedes exigir respeto sin darlo.You cannot demand respect without giving it.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a difficult situation at work.
- SofíaDaniel, los empleados están muy descontentos.Daniel, the employees are very unhappy.
- DanielLo sé, ellos van a exigir cambios mañana.I know, they are going to demand changes tomorrow.
- Sofía¿Crees que la empresa los escuchará?Do you think the company will listen to them?
- DanielEs difícil saberlo sin ver su reacción.It is hard to know without seeing their reaction.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry exigir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries exigir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
