rogar
/roˈɡaɾ/
The Spanish way to say to beg is rogar.
To beg for a specific thing, such as food or mercy, use the preposition por after the verb: rogar por algo. You can also use the expression Te lo ruego to mean "I beg you".
Which one should you use?
While rogar is used to express begging, the synonym suplicar is a stronger, more intense option that emphasizes the desperation of the person begging.
How does it change in a sentence?
rogar is a stem-changing verb where the o changes to ue in many conjugated forms, such as yo ruego or tú ruegas.
How do you pronounce it?
/roˈɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- In formal Spanish invitations or letters, rogar is used as a polite way to request a response, such as in the phrase se ruega confirmación meaning 'confirmation is requested'.
- The Latin root of rogar is actually related to the English word 'regal' or 'royal'.
- Unlike the English 'beg' which often implies poverty, rogar is frequently used between equals or toward superiors to ask for a favor without implying the speaker is destitute.
Examples in context
- 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 a last resort for food.Tatoeba #1110872 by jmdm78, translation #997785 by NickC
- Le suplico que me ayude.I beg you to help me.
- Les suplico que reconsideren su decisión.I beg you to reconsider your decision.
- Le ruego que me disculpe.I beg your forgiveness.
- Les ruego que escuchen mi petición.I beg you to listen to my request.
- Le pido con insistencia que me ayude.I beg you insistently to help me.
- Te suplico encarecidamente que reconsideres tu decisión.I beg you earnestly to reconsider your decision.
- Te lo ruego, perdónameI beg you, forgive me
- No quiero rogar por su atención.I do not want to beg for her attention.
- Ella tuvo que rogar para conseguir el trabajo.She had to beg to get the job.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a difficult job interview.
- Daniel¿Tuviste que rogar por el puesto?Did you have to beg for the position?
- MaríaNo, Daniel, no tuve que rogar.No, Daniel, I did not have to beg.
- DanielQué bueno que no fue así.It is good that it was not like that.
- MaríaSí, fui muy profesional.Yes, I was very professional.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rogar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rogar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
