Spanish word

preguntar

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾeɣunˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbask

Example

¿Puedo preguntar algo?

Can I ask something?

Illustration for preguntar (ask)

More examples

Antes de comprar, hay que preguntar el precio.

Before buying, you should ask for the price.

Core concept

Posing a question to another person to obtain information or clarification.

Common phrases

  • preguntar el precio

    ask for the price

  • preguntar si

    ask if

  • preguntar el nombre

    ask someone's name

Similar words

pedir: Requesting an object, help, or permission from someone.
consultar: Seeking information or advice from an expert or reference.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer una pregunta a otra persona para obtener una respuesta, datos o una aclaración.

Word origin

The verb derives from Latin percontārī (per- 'through' + contāre 'to tell') via Vulgar Latin *percontare into Old Spanish as preguntar.

Usage tips

  • Preguntar marks the person with a (preguntar algo a alguien), contrasts with pedir which requests objects or favors, uses preguntar si for yes/no questions, and preguntar por to ask about a person.

Other meanings

  • inquireverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word