Meaning
To request a taxi service.
Cultural Background
In Spain, taxis are highly regulated. In Madrid, they are white with a red stripe. You can 'pedir' one by phone or app, but 'coger' one at a 'parada' is very common. Safety is key. It is always recommended to 'pedir un taxi de sitio' (from a specific stand) rather than hailing one on the street to ensure the driver is registered. The term 'remís' is often used alongside 'taxi'. A remís must be 'pedido' (ordered) from a central office and doesn't have a roof sign. In cities like Bogotá, apps like 'Taxis Libres' are the standard way to 'pedir un taxi' to avoid overcharging or safety issues.
The 'Me' Trick
Always add 'me' (¿Me pide...?) to sound more natural when asking someone to do it for you.
The 'Coger' Trap
Remember: 'Coger' is fine in Spain, but avoid it in Mexico and Argentina!
Meaning
To request a taxi service.
The 'Me' Trick
Always add 'me' (¿Me pide...?) to sound more natural when asking someone to do it for you.
The 'Coger' Trap
Remember: 'Coger' is fine in Spain, but avoid it in Mexico and Argentina!
Small Talk
Taxi drivers love to talk. Be prepared for a mini Spanish lesson during your ride.
App Names
You can replace 'taxi' with 'Uber' or 'Cabify' and the grammar stays the same.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'pedir' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ un taxi cuando llueve.
The first person singular of 'pedir' is 'pido' (e->i change).
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a receptionist for a taxi?
Asking for a taxi at a hotel:
Using '¿Me puede...?' with 'por favor' is the standard polite form.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Matching transport phrases:
These are all essential vocabulary items for city travel.
Complete the dialogue with the correct word.
A: ¿Cómo vas a volver a casa? B: Voy a ______ un taxi por Cabify.
In the context of apps like Cabify, 'pedir' is the correct verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ un taxi cuando llueve.
The first person singular of 'pedir' is 'pido' (e->i change).
Asking for a taxi at a hotel:
Using '¿Me puede...?' with 'por favor' is the standard polite form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all essential vocabulary items for city travel.
A: ¿Cómo vas a volver a casa? B: Voy a ______ un taxi por Cabify.
In the context of apps like Cabify, 'pedir' is the correct verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common, especially if you are actually using a phone to call a dispatch center.
It is neutral. It works with friends, at work, or at a hotel.
You say 'Ya lo pedí'.
In Spain, round up. In Latin America, it's usually not expected unless they help with bags.
'Pedir' is the act of requesting it. 'Tomar' is the act of getting in and using it.
Yes, 'pedir un Uber' is the standard phrase.
Because you are usually asking for 'any' taxi from a fleet, not one specific car you already know.
It is 'pido'. 'Pedo' is a vulgar word for flatulence. Be careful!
Say '¿Me puede pedir un taxi grande para cinco personas?'.
Use the verb 'parar'. 'Voy a parar un taxi'.
Related Phrases
Parada de taxi
similarTaxi stand
Taxímetro
builds onThe meter
Carrera de taxi
specialized formA taxi ride/fare
Libre
similarAvailable (taxi sign)
