How to Ask in Portuguese – “Perguntar” OR “Pedir”

Grammar is one of the most confusing aspects for English speakers learning European Portuguese. Different Portuguese expressions often correspond to the same word in English. That is the case with verbs Perguntar and Pedir, which translate to “To Ask.”

What is the correct usage of each verb in Portuguese? How can you use them and maintain a natural conversation with a native speaker?

Below, discover all this and much more!

To Ask in Portuguese – Pedir or Perguntar?

A very common mistake people learning Portuguese make is to swap the verbs Perguntar and Pedir. In English, they tend to translate to simply “ask”. But there are clear differences between them in Portuguese.

Pedir – To Ask

Use Pedir when you request something (an object, service, favor, or permission). Basically, this verb conveys the sense that you are asking someone for something. You also use it to say you are sorry, or to indicate that someone asked for forgiveness or excused themselves.

Examples

• Vou pedir uma garrafa de água. (I’ll ask for a bottle of water.)
• Espero que ele peça o dia de folga. (I hope he asks for the day off.)
• Ela pediu desculpa por não fazer o trabalho a horas. (She said she was sorry for not doing the work on time.)

Perguntar – To Ask

Use Perguntar when you are asking for information. In this case, the verb refers to asking something to someone.

Examples

• Queria perguntar se alguém tem ideias para o projeto. (I wanted to ask if anyone has any ideas for the project.)
• Desculpe, posso perguntar-lhe onde fica a paragem do autocarro, por favor? (Excuse me, may I ask you where the bus stop is, please?)
• Queria perguntar: qual é a tradução de “autocarro” em inglês? (I wanted to ask: what is the translation for “bus” in English?

The Question Words in Portuguese

When you practice asking in Portuguese, you will need to know and understand the question words. To make it easier, try creating a table in your vocabulary notebook. It will help you remember the right words until you can form sentences on your own without needing further clarification.

• O que/ O quê / Que – what
• Quem – who
• Quando – when
• Onde – where
• Porque/ Por que/ Porquê – why
• Como – how
• Qual / Quais – which (singular / plural)
• Quanto / Quanta / Quantos / Quantas – how much / how many

Please and Thank You

Of course, whether the right Portuguese verb is Perguntar or Pedir, you always want to be polite. As such, you want to use terms like Por favor (Please) in your questions. Additionally, remember to show gratitude by saying Obrigado (if you are male) or Obrigada (if you are female).

Watch the Video!

In this YouTube video, you will explore the different ways to ask in portuguese. Discover what distinguishes the verbs Perguntar and Pedir and learn how to use them in everyday contexts!

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