Meaning
To pose an inquiry to someone.
Cultural Background
In Mexico, it is very common to use the diminutive 'preguntita' to sound more polite and less intrusive. In Spain, people are more direct. While 'hacer una pregunta' is used, it is often preceded by 'Oye' (Listen) or 'Mira' (Look) in informal settings. Argentines often use 'hacer una consulta' in situations that might be slightly more formal or professional, like at a bank or a store. In Colombia, especially in Medellín, the phrase is often accompanied by 'Qué pena' (I'm sorry/Excuse me) to show extreme politeness.
The 'Yo-Go' Rule
Remember that 'hacer' is a 'yo-go' verb. Whenever you talk about yourself, it's 'hago'. This is the most common mistake for beginners!
Avoid Redundancy
Never say 'preguntar una pregunta'. It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating literally from English.
Meaning
To pose an inquiry to someone.
The 'Yo-Go' Rule
Remember that 'hacer' is a 'yo-go' verb. Whenever you talk about yourself, it's 'hago'. This is the most common mistake for beginners!
Avoid Redundancy
Never say 'preguntar una pregunta'. It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating literally from English.
Softening the Blow
Use 'Quisiera hacer una pregunta' (I would like to ask) to sound much more polite and advanced, even at A1 level.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hacer' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ una pregunta en la clase de español.
The first person singular (yo) of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Select the best option:
'Hacer una pregunta' is the standard collocation. 'Preguntar una pregunta' is redundant, and 'pregunta' is feminine.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Estudiante: 'Perdone, profesor. ¿________?' / Profesor: 'Sí, dime.'
This is the standard polite way to ask for permission to speak in a classroom.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are direct translations of common variations.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hacer vs. Preguntar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ una pregunta en la clase de español.
The first person singular (yo) of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Select the best option:
'Hacer una pregunta' is the standard collocation. 'Preguntar una pregunta' is redundant, and 'pregunta' is feminine.
Estudiante: 'Perdone, profesor. ¿________?' / Profesor: 'Sí, dime.'
This is the standard polite way to ask for permission to speak in a classroom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are direct translations of common variations.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can, but '¿Puedo hacer una pregunta?' is more common when you want to signal that you have a specific query ready.
It is feminine: 'la pregunta', 'una pregunta'.
'Interrogación' refers more to the punctuation mark (¿?) or a formal police interrogation. For daily life, use 'pregunta'.
Use 'hacer muchas preguntas'.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Argentina.
'Consulta' is usually for professional advice (doctor, lawyer) or checking information (bank, library).
Yes, 'Hice una pregunta' (I asked a question) is very common.
You can say 'devolver la pregunta'.
Yes, it is the standard polite way to interrupt a speaker in a formal or semi-formal setting.
You can use 'tengo una pregunta' (I have a question), which is also very common and easy to remember.
Related Phrases
Responder una pregunta
contrastTo answer a question
Pedir permiso
similarTo ask for permission
Hacer una consulta
specialized formTo make an inquiry/consultation
Plantear una duda
similarTo pose a doubt
