Ask in Portuguese

Hello friends! Are you ready for a brand new Dica? Today we are going to learn how to ask in Portuguese, using the difference between pedir and perguntar. So, let’s start asking for things?

Pedir vs perguntar in Portuguese

First of all, when you go to a restaurant you ask for things right? But what’s the difference between asking for something and making a question? In Portuguese we have two different verbs for each case. Therefore, let’s check out when we use one and when we use the other.

Pedir in Portuguese

Let’s use the verb pedir (to ask), and observe how we conjugate it in the present and pretérito perfecto.

So, basically, we use the verb pedir when we are asking for things, for example: a favor, the check, food, forgiveness or a piece of information. We also have a more romantic aspect of verb to ask in Portuguese: asking someone to marry you or to be your boyfriend or girlfriend. Owwwwwwwn ❤

Examples

Eu pedi um favor para o Armando ontem.
Yesterday I asked a favor of Armando.

Nós não acreditamos que ela te pediu em casamento!
We can’t believe that she asked you to marry her!

Perguntar in Portuguese

Let’s use the verb perguntar (to ask), and observe how we conjugate it in the present and pretérito perfecto.

In contrast, we use the verb perguntar when we want to make a question about something. For example, if you want to know if someone is single or married, you just ask them. And if you want to know how to conjugate ask in Portuguese, you don’t have to ask anybody… just click here. 

Examples

Vou te perguntar uma coisa: Vamos aprender Português em 30 dias?
Let me ask you something: Let’s learn Portuguese in 30 days? 

Ele me perguntou qual é o meu nome.
He asked me what my name is. 

Tell me, how do you order coffee in your country? Is there a special way to do so? Here in Brazil you can order coffee in some different ways. If you want to know more, read our Dica about it.

Now it’s your turn!

Finally let’s practice to check that you really know the difference between pedir and perguntar. There are 10 sentences below and you have to complete them with the correct verb. Pay attention, because first you have to choose which verb you are going to use and then conjugate it correctly. Let’s do it!

1. Ela me _______ em casamento mês passado.
2. Eu _______ quantos anos ele tinha.
3. Podemos te _______ uma informação?
4. Vou _______ a comida agora. O que vocês vão querer comer?
5. Eu sempre _______ quando tenho dúvidas na aula.
6. Ana _______ favores para todo mundo!
7. Marlon não consegue _______ desculpas. Esse menino é impossível!
8. Anderson está com muita fome. Ele _______ três mistos.
9. Fui à escola _______ informação sobre o CELPE-Bras.
10. Ele me _______ se eu queria carona.

My dear friends, that’s it for today. I hope you enjoyed our Dica about the verb ask in Portuguese. Now you can ask for whatever you want, right?
If you could ask a genie for 3 wishes… What would you wish for? Well, I’d wish you would take a look at our Instagram and see our pictures.. Maybe it will make you want to come study with us!

                
Click on the links below to see more related Dicas
Pedir in Portuguese
Polite requests in Portuguese
Asking for the bill in Portuguese
Asking for favors in Portuguese

Answers

1. Ela me pediu em casamento mês passado.
2. Eu perguntei quantos anos ele tinha. 
3. Podemos te pedir uma informação? 
4. Vou pedir a comida agora. O que vocês vão querer comer? 
5. Eu sempre pergunto quando tenho dúvidas na aula.
6. Ana pede favores para todo mundo!
7. Marlon não consegue pedir desculpas. Esse menino é impossível!
8. Anderson está com muita fome. Ele pediu três mistos. 
9. Fui à escola pedir informação sobre o CELPE-Bras.
10. Ele me perguntou se eu queria carona.