“Ask” has several meanings in Spanish. They’re not interchangeable, and there are some subtle differences in meaning.
Preguntar – “to ask a question” or “to ask about” something.
- Preguntó por ti en la fiesta. – He asked about you at the party.
- Pregunté si habían estudiado para la prueba. – I asked if they had studied for the test.
Pedir – used to indicate a direct request or to ask for something.
- Pidió un libro de español. – She asked for a Spanish book.
- Me pidió dinero pero le dije que no tenía un centavo. – He asked me for money but I told him I didn’t have a penny.
Rogar – to make a formal request, or also to beg or to pray.
- Se ruega a los clientes que tomen las precauciones oportunas para salvaguardar sus pertenencias. Customers are asked to take appropriate precautions in order to protect their belongings.
- Fuimos a la iglesia para rogar. – We went to the church to pray.
Invitar – can be used when asking someone out to do something or go somewhere.
- Te invito a mi casa a echarnos un trago. – Come to my house to have a drink.
Solicitar – used with certain types of requests, such as for information, or in business or legal contexts.
- Solicitan amnistía para el ex presidente. – They are requesting an amnesty for the former president.
See you next time!
