A1 Present Tense 15 min read Easy

How to Ask for Things & Order Food (Pedir)

Use pedir when you want to GET something (pizza, favor, Uber); use perguntar when you want to KNOW something.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The verb 'pedir' means 'to ask for' or 'to order' and has a unique 'eu' form: 'peço'.

  • The 'eu' form is irregular: eu peço.
  • The rest of the singular forms follow the standard -ir pattern: ele pede.
  • Use 'pedir' for food, requests, and favors.
Subject + Pedir (conjugated) + Object

Overview

The verb pedir is fundamental for expressing needs and making requests in Portuguese. Unlike English, where you often "ask for something," pedir inherently includes the concept of "for" within its meaning. It signifies to request, to ask for, or to order a physical item, a service, a favor, or permission.

Mastering pedir early in your language journey enables effective communication in countless everyday situations, from ordering food at a restaurant to politely asking for help or information. Its proper use distinguishes between requesting an action or object and merely asking a question, a distinction crucial for clarity in Portuguese.

Conjugation Table

Person Portuguese Form Pronunciation (BP) Pronunciation (EP) English Translation
:--- :--- :--- :--- :---
Eu (I) peço (PEH-soo) (PEH-su) I ask for / I order
Tu (You - informal) pedes (PEH-djez) (PEH-desh) You ask for / You order
Você/Ele/Ela (You/He/She - formal/singular) pede (PEH-dje) (PEH-de) You/He/She asks for / orders
Nós (We) pedimos (pe-DJEE-moos) (pe-DEE-moosh) We ask for / We order
Vocês/Eles/Elas (You/They - plural) pedem (PEH-deng) (PEH-deñ) You/They ask for / order

How This Grammar Works

At its core, pedir operates on a transactional principle: a subject initiates a request for an object, service, or action. The verb directly governs the object of the request without an intervening preposition like por. This direct object construction is a primary difference from English, where "ask for" includes a preposition.
Consider the sentence structure:
Subject + pedir (conjugated) + Direct Object
For instance, if you want a coffee, you say Eu peço um café (I ask for a coffee), not Eu peço por um café. The object um café is directly requested. This structure is efficient and avoids redundancy.
When requesting an action from someone or asking to do something, pedir introduces an infinitive verb using the preposition para.
Subject + pedir (conjugated) + para + Infinitive Verb
For example, Ela pede para sair (She asks to leave). Here, sair (to leave) is the action being requested. This distinction between requesting an object and requesting an action is fundamental to using pedir correctly.

Formation Pattern

1
Pedir belongs to the third conjugation of Portuguese verbs, ending in -ir. Generally, verbs in this conjugation follow a regular pattern in the present tense, but pedir exhibits a common stem vowel change, particularly in the first person singular (eu).
2
Regular -ir verbs typically remove the -ir ending and add the following:
3
eu: -o
4
tu: -es
5
você/ele/ela: -e
6
nós: -imos
7
vocês/eles/elas: -em
8
However, pedir undergoes a stem change from ped- to peç- specifically for eu. This change is a phonetic adaptation, where the original 'd' sound changes to a 'ç' (soft 's' sound) before the 'o' ending to maintain phonetic flow or due to historical linguistic shifts. This pattern is not unique to pedir; similar changes occur in other verbs like ouvir (to hear) which becomes ouço in the eu form, or caber (to fit) which becomes caibo. For pedir, the stem becomes peç- only in the eu form, resulting in eu peço. All other forms of pedir (e.g., tu pedes, nós pedimos) retain the ped- stem and follow the standard -ir verb endings, making the irregularity quite localized.

When To Use It

Pedir is a versatile verb used in three primary contexts, all revolving around making a request or an order. Understanding these distinct applications will clarify its usage.
  1. 1Requesting an Object or Service: This is the most direct use. When you want a physical item, a service, or something tangible, pedir is the verb to use. It covers everything from consumer interactions to personal requests for material things. You directly pedir the object.
  • Eu peço uma água. (I ask for water.) – This is common in a café or restaurant. You're requesting the item directly.
  • Ele pede a conta. (He asks for the bill.) – Here, the bill (a conta) is the object of his request.
  • Nós pedimos um Uber. (We order an Uber.) – The service um Uber is directly requested.
  1. 1Asking for a Favor or Help: When you need assistance, a favor, or a specific action to be performed by someone else, pedir is appropriate. This implies a personal plea or demand, often with a nuance of politeness.
  • Você pode pedir um favor? (Can you ask for a favor?) – This phrase sets up a request for assistance.
  • Ela sempre pede ajuda. (She always asks for help.) – Ajuda (help) is the intangible object of her request.
  • Peço desculpas. (I apologize / I ask for forgiveness.) – A fixed expression where desculpas (apologies) is what is being requested or offered.
  1. 1Requesting an Action (with para + infinitive): When the request is for someone to perform an action or for permission to perform an action, pedir is followed by para and an infinitive verb. This structure is essential for expressing requests involving verbs.
  • Eu peço para você me ajudar. (I ask you to help me.) – The action ajudar (to help) is what is being requested of você.
  • Os alunos pedem para sair mais cedo. (The students ask to leave earlier.) – They are requesting the action sair (to leave).
  • Ele pediu para esperar. (He asked to wait / He asked [someone] to wait.) – Depending on context, it could mean he requested permission to wait, or he requested another person to wait.

When Not To Use It

While pedir is broad, there are specific situations where other verbs are more appropriate, primarily when the goal is to acquire information rather than an object, service, or action.
  • Asking a Question: If your intention is to solicit information, to inquire, or to pose a question, you should not use pedir. This is the most common and significant distinction for A1 learners.
  • Não peça uma pergunta. (Do not ask for a question.) – This makes no sense in Portuguese. You don't "order" a question.
  • Eu não peço como ir ao centro. (I do not ask how to go downtown.) – Here, you are asking for directions, which is information, not an object.
  • Inviting Someone: To invite someone to an event, a different verb, typically convidar, is used. While an invitation is a form of request, it has its own specialized verb.
  • Nós não pedimos eles para a festa. (We did not ask them for the party.) – Incorrect. You wouldn't "request" someone for a party.
  • Demanding with Force/Authority: While pedir can convey a strong request, for a forceful demand or imposition, verbs like exigir (to demand) or ordenar (to order, in the sense of commanding) might be more fitting, though these are typically beyond A1 scope.
  • O chefe pediu que o trabalho fosse feito. (The boss requested the work be done.) – Pedir works here for a strong request. However, O chefe exigiu que o trabalho fosse feito. (The boss demanded the work be done.) would imply a higher level of authority and less option for refusal.

Common Mistakes

Beginners frequently make a few predictable errors with pedir due to direct translation from English or confusion with related concepts. Identifying and understanding these pitfalls will solidify your correct usage.
  • The "Por" Trap: The most prevalent mistake is translating "ask for" literally as pedir por. In English, "for" specifies the object of the request. In Portuguese, pedir is a transitive verb that directly takes its object. Adding por is redundant and incorrect, akin to saying "I request for a coffee." Pedir already contains the semantic component of for.
  • Incorrect: Eu peço por uma pizza.
  • Correct: Eu peço uma pizza. (I ask for/order a pizza.)
  • Why it's wrong: Pedir is a diretamente transitivo verb with its object. The preposition por is not needed.
  • Confusing Pedir with Perguntar: This is another significant source of confusion. Learners often use pedir when they intend to ask a question (request information). However, pedir is for requesting objects, services, favors, or actions, while perguntar is exclusively for asking questions.
  • Incorrect: Eu peço o nome dela. (I ask for her name.) – This implies you are requesting the physical thing that is her name, which is nonsensical.
  • Correct: Eu pergunto o nome dela. (I ask her name.) – You are asking for the information of her name.
  • Incorrect: Nós pedimos onde é a estação. (We ask where the station is.)
  • Correct: Nós perguntamos onde é a estação. (We ask where the station is.) – You are seeking information about location.
  • Forgetting the Eu Irregularity: The eu peço form is irregular and must be memorized. Attempting to regularize it to eu pedo is a common, though easily corrected, error.
  • Incorrect: Eu pedo uma cerveja.
  • Correct: Eu peço uma cerveja. (I order a beer.)
  • Why it's wrong: Pedo is not a valid conjugation in modern Portuguese. The stem change from d to ç for the eu form is a fixed pattern for pedir.
  • Incorrect use of para: While pedir + para + infinitive is correct for requesting an action, pedir + para + noun is incorrect when the noun is the direct object of the request. The para is only for infinitive actions.
  • Incorrect: Ele pede para dinheiro.
  • Correct: Ele pede dinheiro. (He asks for money.)
  • Correct: Ele pede para trabalhar. (He asks to work.)

Memory Trick

To distinguish pedir from perguntar and remember the "no por" rule, associate pedir with a clear, tangible Purchase or Possession. You Pick pedir when you want to Possess something or initiate a Practical action. Think of pedir as "to Procure" something. You procure a coffee, you don't inquire a coffee. The 'ç' in peço can be visualized as a Pretzel, a unique shape for a unique form, reminding you of its irregularity.

Another simple trick: If you can replace "ask for" with "order" or "request" in English, use pedir. If you can replace "ask" with "inquire" or "question," use perguntar.

Real Conversations

Understanding pedir in isolation is important, but its application in authentic communication solidifies its meaning. Here are examples reflecting common usage in modern Portuguese, both formal and informal, including texting scenarios.

- At a Restaurant/Bar (ordering):

- Garçom, por favor, eu peço um chopp. (Waiter, please, I'll order a draft beer.) – Brazil

- Posso pedir mais pão? (Can I ask for more bread?) – Common in both BP/EP, polite request.

- Asking for Favors/Help:

- Peço-lhe que me ajude com esta tarefa. (I ask you to help me with this task.) – More formal EP usage of lhe (to you).

- Você pode pedir para ele vir mais cedo? (Can you ask him to come earlier?) – Requesting an action from a third party.

- In Digital Communication (texting/messaging):

- Friend 1: O q vc vai pedir pro jantar? (What are you gonna ask for dinner?) (BP informal: q for que, vc for você)

- Friend 2: Acho q vou pedir sushi. (I think I'll order sushi.)

- Te peço desculpas pelo atraso. (I ask your forgiveness for the delay / I apologize for the delay.) – Common informal apology.

- Making a General Request (e.g., for silence):

- Pedimos silêncio na biblioteca. (We ask for silence in the library.) – A public notice, formal and direct.

These examples demonstrate pedir in its various forms, showing how native speakers use it naturally to articulate their needs and requests across different contexts. Observe the absence of por and the correct usage of para + infinitive when an action is being requested.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

The most crucial contrast for pedir at the A1 level is with perguntar. Other verbs like solicitar also contrast but are typically introduced at higher CEFR levels. Understanding the fundamental difference between pedir and perguntar prevents persistent errors.
Pedir vs. Perguntar
| Feature | Pedir | Perguntar |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Core Meaning | To request / To order (an object, service, favor, or action) | To ask / To inquire (for information, a question) |
| Focus | Obtaining something tangible or an action | Obtaining knowledge or an answer |
| Grammar | Direct object (what is requested) or para + infinitive (action) | Direct object (the question) or indirect object (to whom the question is asked) |
| Example (Object) | Eu peço um café. (I order a coffee.) | (Incorrect: Eu pergunto um café.) |
| Example (Information) | (Incorrect: Eu peço o preço.) | Eu pergunto o preço. (I ask the price.) |
| Example (Action) | Ele pede para ir. (He asks to go.) | (Incorrect for requesting an action) |
Think of it as a GET vs. KNOW distinction:
  • Use pedir when you want to GET something (a thing, a service, an action performed).
  • Use perguntar when you want to KNOW something (an answer, a fact, a piece of information).
Pedir vs. Solicitar
Solicitar also means "to request," but it carries a more formal, official, or bureaucratic tone. It's used for formal applications, official documents, or professional requests. At A1, pedir covers most needs, but it's useful to recognize solicitar.
  • Eu peço um copo de água. (I ask for a glass of water.) – Informal, everyday.
  • Eu solicito um visto. (I apply for a visa / I formally request a visa.) – Formal, official.

Progressive Practice

1

Consistent, structured practice is essential for internalizing the correct usage of pedir. Begin with simple recognition and gradually move towards active production. Focus on differentiating pedir from perguntar early on.

2

Sentence Completion (Recognition): Present sentences with a blank and options pedir or perguntar (conjugated). You choose the correct verb.

- Eu ______ informações. (The answer is pergunto)

- Nós ______ a sobremesa. (The answer is pedimos)

3

Transformation (Application): Convert English sentences into Portuguese, paying attention to whether pedir or perguntar is needed and its correct conjugation.

- "I ask for a sandwich." -> Eu peço um sanduíche.

- "They ask how to get there." -> Eles perguntam como chegar lá.

4

Situational Role-Play (Production): Imagine scenarios (e.g., in a restaurant, asking for directions, asking a friend for a pen). Practice forming full sentences using pedir or perguntar naturally.

- Scenario: You are at a cafe and want the check.

- Response: Por favor, eu peço a conta.

5

Listen and Identify: Listen to native speakers (podcasts, simple dialogues) and identify instances of pedir and perguntar. Note the context to understand why each verb was chosen.

6

Journaling/Writing Prompts: Write short paragraphs about your day, incorporating requests. For example: "Today I pedi coffee, then pedi para meu amigo me ajudar com a tarefa, e perguntei a hora." (Today I ordered coffee, then asked my friend to help me with the task, and asked the time.)

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about pedir that A1 learners often have.
Q: Can pedir be used for proposing marriage?

Yes, it is the standard verb. The common phrase is pedir em casamento (to ask for marriage/to propose). Similarly, pedir em namoro means to ask someone to be your girlfriend/boyfriend (to go steady).

Q: How do I say "I ordered it online" using pedir?

You still use pedir as "to order." For example, Eu pedi um livro na Amazon. (I ordered a book on Amazon.) or Eu pedi comida pelo aplicativo. (I ordered food through the app.). The method of ordering (online, by app) does not change the verb.

Q: Is pedir polite or rude?

Pedir itself is neutral. Its politeness depends on the context and the addition of polite phrases like por favor (please) or com licença (excuse me). A direct Peço um café is normal in a cafe, but adding Por favor makes it more courteous.

Q: What if I want to ask someone for something? How do I specify the person?

You can specify the person using a prepositional phrase with para (to/for) or by using an indirect object pronoun (like lhe for formal "you/him/her," or me, te, nos).

  • Eu peço um favor para você. (I ask a favor from you.)
  • Eu te peço um favor. (I ask you a favor.) – Informal, very common in Brazil.
  • Eu lhe peço um favor. (I ask you a favor.) – Formal.
Q: Can pedir mean "to beg"?

Yes, in certain contexts, particularly when associated with intense need or humility, pedir can convey the sense of begging or pleading. For example, Ele pediu por sua vida. (He begged for his life.) However, this meaning is typically clear from context and the object being requested.

Q: What's the difference between pedir and perguntar in a store?

If you say Eu peço uma camisa, you are asking for the shirt, implying you want to buy it or see it to potentially buy it. If you say Eu pergunto o preço da camisa, you are asking for information about the shirt's price.

By diligently applying these principles and practicing regularly, you will confidently master pedir and greatly enhance your ability to interact effectively in Portuguese-speaking environments.

Present Indicative of Pedir

Subject Conjugation
Eu
peço
Você/Ele/Ela
pede
Nós
pedimos
Vocês/Eles/Elas
pedem

Meanings

The verb 'pedir' is used to request an object, a service, or to place an order in a restaurant.

1

Ordering food

Placing an order at a restaurant or cafe.

“Eu peço uma pizza.”

“Nós pedimos a conta.”

2

Asking for favors

Requesting help or an item from someone.

“Eu peço ajuda.”

“Ele pede um favor.”

Reference Table

Reference table for How to Ask for Things & Order Food (Pedir)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + Pedir + Object
Eu peço café.
Negative
Não + Subject + Pedir + Object
Eu não peço café.
Question
Pedir + Subject + Object?
Pede você um café?
Short Answer
Sim/Não + (Subject) + Verb
Sim, eu peço.
Favor
Pedir + favor
Peço um favor.
Permission
Pedir + licença
Peço licença.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Gostaria de pedir um café.

Gostaria de pedir um café. (Restaurant)

Neutral
Eu peço um café.

Eu peço um café. (Restaurant)

Informal
Me vê um café.

Me vê um café. (Restaurant)

Slang
Manda um café aí.

Manda um café aí. (Restaurant)

Uses of Pedir

Pedir

Food

  • pizza pizza
  • café coffee

Favors

  • ajuda help
  • favor favor

Pedir vs Perguntar

Pedir
água water
Perguntar
horas time

Conjugation Logic

1

Is it 'Eu'?

YES
Use 'peço'
NO
Use 'pede/pedimos/pedem'

Common Collocations

🍽️

Restaurant

  • • pedir a conta
  • • pedir o cardápio
🤝

Social

  • • pedir desculpas
  • • pedir licença
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Examples by Level

1

Eu peço um café.

I order a coffee.

2

Você pede água?

Do you order water?

3

Nós pedimos pizza.

We order pizza.

4

Eles pedem a conta.

They ask for the bill.

1

Eu peço desculpas pelo atraso.

I apologize for the delay.

2

Ela pede um favor ao amigo.

She asks a favor of her friend.

3

Vocês pedem ajuda?

Do you all ask for help?

4

Eu não peço nada.

I don't ask for anything.

1

Ele pede que eu vá com ele.

He asks that I go with him.

2

Nós pedimos uma mesa perto da janela.

We ask for a table near the window.

3

Você pode pedir o cardápio?

Can you ask for the menu?

4

Eles pedem licença para sair.

They ask for permission to leave.

1

O cliente pede um serviço de alta qualidade.

The client requests a high-quality service.

2

Eu peço encarecidamente que você reflita.

I earnestly ask that you reflect.

3

Ela pede demissão amanhã.

She resigns tomorrow.

4

Não se pede algo assim tão facilmente.

One does not ask for something like that so easily.

1

A situação pede uma atitude firme.

The situation calls for a firm attitude.

2

Ele pede o divórcio após anos de conflito.

He files for divorce after years of conflict.

3

Pedimos a vossa colaboração.

We request your cooperation.

4

Ela pede que a justiça seja feita.

She asks that justice be done.

1

O autor pede ao leitor que contemple a obra.

The author asks the reader to contemplate the work.

2

Pedir clemência é o último recurso.

Asking for clemency is the last resort.

3

A vida pede coragem.

Life calls for courage.

4

Ele pede que se cumpra o testamento.

He requests that the will be executed.

Easily Confused

How to Ask for Things & Order Food (Pedir) vs Pedir vs Perguntar

Both mean 'ask'.

How to Ask for Things & Order Food (Pedir) vs Pedir vs Solicitar

Both mean 'request'.

How to Ask for Things & Order Food (Pedir) vs Pedir vs Requerer

Both mean 'demand/request'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Eu pedo

✓

Eu peço

Irregular form.
✗

Peço para um café

✓

Peço um café

No preposition needed.
✗

Eu peço uma pergunta

✓

Eu faço uma pergunta

Use pedir for things.
✗

Ele peço

✓

Ele pede

Wrong conjugation.
✗

Nós pedemos

✓

Nós pedimos

Standard -ir conjugation.
✗

Eles pedem

✓

Eles pedem

Correct, but often misspelled.
✗

Eu peço de você

✓

Eu peço a você

Wrong preposition.
✗

Eu peço que ele vai

✓

Eu peço que ele vá

Subjunctive needed.
✗

Pedir informação

✓

Perguntar informação

Wrong verb.
✗

Ele pede o favor de mim

✓

Ele me pede um favor

Indirect object usage.
✗

Solicito que pede

✓

Solicito que peça

Subjunctive.
✗

Pedir por desculpas

✓

Pedir desculpas

No preposition.
✗

Ele pediu que ele faz

✓

Ele pediu que ele fizesse

Tense sequence.

Sentence Patterns

Eu peço ___.

Você pede ___?

Nós pedimos ___ para o garçom.

Eles pedem que eu ___.

Real World Usage

Restaurant constant

Eu peço o prato do dia.

Texting very common

Pode pedir o Uber?

Job Interview occasional

Peço uma oportunidade.

Travel common

Peço informações.

Food App very common

Peço pelo app.

Social Media common

Peço desculpas pelo post.

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💡

The 'Eu' Rule

Always remember the 'ç' in 'peço'. It is the only irregular form.
⚠️

No 'para'

Don't say 'peço para'. Just 'peço' + object.
🎯

Pedir vs Perguntar

If you want an object, use 'pedir'. If you want info, use 'perguntar'.
💬

Politeness

Always add 'por favor' when using 'pedir' to sound polite.

Smart Tips

Use 'Eu peço' + item.

Eu quero um café. → Eu peço um café.

Start with 'Posso pedir...'.

Você faz um favor? → Posso pedir um favor?

Ask: 'Is it an object or info?'

Peço que horas são. → Pergunto que horas são.

Use 'Solicito' instead of 'Peço'.

Peço a sua atenção. → Solicito a sua atenção.

Pronunciation

peh-soh

ç sound

The 'ç' is pronounced like 'ss'.

peh-deh

d sound

The 'd' is soft before 'e'.

Question

Você pede? ↗

Rising pitch at the end.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Eu peço' sounds like 'I pay so' (I pay so I can have it).

Visual Association

Imagine yourself at a counter saying 'Eu peço' while holding a giant menu.

Rhyme

Eu peço, você pede, todos pedem o que se quer.

Story

I walk into a cafe. I say 'Eu peço um café'. The waiter says 'Ele pede um café'. We both drink coffee.

Word Web

peçopedepedimospedempedidopedir

Challenge

Order three different things in your head using 'Eu peço' right now.

Cultural Notes

In Brazil, 'pedir' is often used with direct objects without prepositions. It is very common to hear 'me vê um café'.

In Portugal, formality is slightly higher. 'Gostaria de pedir' is preferred over 'Eu peço'.

Similar to Portugal, formal address is common in requests.

From Latin 'petere', meaning to seek or attack.

Conversation Starters

“

O que você pede no café?

“

Você pede ajuda aos amigos?

“

Como você pede a conta?

“

Você já pediu um favor difícil?

Journal Prompts

Write about your favorite food to order.
Describe a time you asked for help.
Explain why asking for help is important.
Discuss the etiquette of ordering in your country.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Conjugate 'pedir' for 'Eu'.

___ um café.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: peço
Irregular form.
Which verb is for information? Multiple Choice

Eu ___ que horas são.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pergunto
Perguntar is for info.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu peço para um suco.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu peço um suco.
No preposition.
Reorder the sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu peço um café.
Subject-Verb-Object.
Conjugate for 'Nós'. Conjugation Drill

Nós ___ a conta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pedimos
Standard -ir.
Match the verb form. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pedem
3rd person plural.
Change to negative. Sentence Transformation

Eu peço café. ->

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu não peço café.
Add 'não' before verb.
Select the correct form. Multiple Choice

Ela ___ um favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pede
3rd person singular.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Conjugate 'pedir' for 'Eu'.

___ um café.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: peço
Irregular form.
Which verb is for information? Multiple Choice

Eu ___ que horas são.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pergunto
Perguntar is for info.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu peço para um suco.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu peço um suco.
No preposition.
Reorder the sentence. Sentence Reorder

um / peço / café / eu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu peço um café.
Subject-Verb-Object.
Conjugate for 'Nós'. Conjugation Drill

Nós ___ a conta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pedimos
Standard -ir.
Match the verb form. Match Pairs

Match 'Eles' with the form.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pedem
3rd person plural.
Change to negative. Sentence Transformation

Eu peço café. ->

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu não peço café.
Add 'não' before verb.
Select the correct form. Multiple Choice

Ela ___ um favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pede
3rd person singular.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Vocês ___ sobremesa? (Are you guys ordering dessert?)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pedem
Match the subject to the correct verb form. Match Pairs

Match the pairs.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Eu::pe\u00e7o","Tu::pedes","Ele::pede","N\u00f3s::pedimos"]
Fix the mistake. Error Correction

Eu pedo um favor para você.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu peço um favor para você.
Select the correct context. Multiple Choice

When would you use 'pedir'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: To order a hamburger.
Unscramble the sentence. Sentence Reorder

ajuda / ele / pede / professor / ao

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele pede ajuda ao professor.
Translate this to Portuguese. Translation

We ask for the bill.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nós pedimos a conta.
Complete with the correct preposition (if any). Fill in the Blank

Ela pediu ___ um copo de água.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: (no preposition)
Which sentence implies asking for a date? Multiple Choice

Choose the romantic context.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele pediu ela em namoro.
Find the grammatical error. Error Correction

Tu pede muito dinheiro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tu pedes muito dinheiro.
Complete the phrase. Fill in the Blank

Vou ___ um Uber. (I'm going to order an Uber)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pedir
Order the words. Sentence Reorder

silêncio / a / professora / pede

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A professora pede silêncio.
Translate to English. Translation

O que você pede?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What are you ordering?

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Only in the 'eu' form. The rest is regular.

No, use 'perguntar'.

No, never use 'para' after 'pedir' for objects.

Eu peço ajuda.

The conjugation is the same, but usage varies slightly.

Only for 'eu'.

Eu peço que você vá.

Yes, for requests and resignations.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

pedir

Minor spelling differences.

French partial

demander

Portuguese distinguishes pedir/perguntar.

German moderate

bitten

German has distinct verbs for favor vs info.

Japanese low

tanomu

Verb conjugation is entirely different.

Arabic moderate

talaba

Arabic root system is unique.

Chinese low

yào

No conjugation in Chinese.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Asking Questions: The Verb 'Perguntar'
Next
Saying 'There Is/Are' (Há)

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