What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the imperative verb solicita (request) and the object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
If the thing being requested is a feminine noun, the pronoun changes from lo to la. If you are addressing someone using the formal usted form to give a command, the phrase becomes solicítelo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
solicítalo sounds more formal or administrative. For everyday, casual conversation, the more common way to say 'request it' or 'ask for it' is pídelo. In informal situations, you might also use the phrase Hazme el favor (do me the favor) to make a request or ask ¿Me haces el favor de…? (Could you do me the favor of…?).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word rogar can be used instead of pedir or solicitar to convey a formal request.
How does it change in a sentence?
The accent mark on the í is required because attaching the pronoun lo to the imperative solicita creates a proparoxytone (esdrújula) word.
How do you pronounce it?
/soliθitalo/
Did you know?
- While solicitar is a direct cognate of the English 'solicit', in Spanish it is the standard, neutral term used for official processes like applying for a job or a visa.
- In Spain, the verb rogar can be used for formal requests, which literally means 'to beg' but functions as a high-level professional courtesy.
- Using solicítalo in a casual setting like a cafe might make you sound like a walking legal document or a formal administrative notice.
Examples in context
- Necesito que lo soliciteI need you to request it
- Pídeme que lo hagaAsk me to do it
- Hazme el favor de pedirloDo me the favor of requesting it
- ¿Me haces el favor de pedirlo?Could you do me the favor of requesting it?
- Pídeme que lo haga después.Ask me to do it later.
- ¿Me haces el favor de enviarlo por correo?Could you do me the favor of sending it by mail?
- Si quieres el catálogo, solicítalo ahora.If you want the catalog, request it now.
- Hay un descuento especial, solicítalo en la caja.There is a special discount, request it at the register.
- El informe está disponible, solicítalo por correo.The report is available, request it by email.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking about a new company benefit.
- Lucía¿Sabes si hay un bono de transporte?Do you know if there is a transport bonus?
- AlejandroSí, está en la intranet, solicítalo allí.Yes, it is on the intranet, request it there.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, lo haré esta tarde.Thanks, Alejandro, I will do it this afternoon.
- AlejandroDe nada, Lucía, espero que te sirva.You're welcome, Lucía, I hope it helps you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
