pedir emprestado in 30 Seconds
- To borrow an item or money temporarily.
- Requesting to use something that belongs to another person.
- You must return what you borrow.
- Used for both objects and money.
The Portuguese verb phrase pedir emprestado translates directly to 'to ask borrowed' or, more naturally in English, 'to borrow'. It is used when you need to temporarily obtain something from another person or institution, with the understanding that you will return it later. This can apply to tangible items like a book or a tool, or intangible things like money. It's a fundamental phrase for everyday interactions, especially when you find yourself in a situation where you lack something you need.
- Key Concept
- This phrase emphasizes the act of requesting permission to use something that belongs to someone else, with the implicit agreement of returning it. It's about temporary possession, not permanent acquisition.
- Common Scenarios
- You might use pedir emprestado when you need to borrow a pen from a colleague, a cup of sugar from a neighbor, a book from the library, or money from a friend or a bank. It's a polite way to express a need for temporary use of an item or funds.
Eu preciso pedir emprestado um livro da biblioteca.
Posso pedir emprestado seu carregador de celular?
Mastering pedir emprestado involves understanding its grammatical structure and common sentence constructions. The verb 'pedir' (to ask for, to request) is conjugated according to the subject and tense, followed by 'emprestado', which acts as an adverbial phrase indicating the manner of asking. The object being borrowed typically follows this phrase. Pay attention to the prepositions used, especially when specifying who you are borrowing from.
- Basic Structure
- Subject + pedir emprestado + (object) + de/a + person/institution.
- Examples with Different Tenses
- Present Tense: 'Eu peço emprestado um livro à Maria.' (I borrow a book from Maria.)
Past Tense (Pretérito Perfeito): 'Ele pediu emprestado dinheiro ao banco.' (He borrowed money from the bank.)
Future Tense: 'Nós vamos pedir emprestado o carro deles amanhã.' (We will borrow their car tomorrow.) - Borrowing from Institutions
- When borrowing from a place or institution, you often use the preposition 'de' followed by the article. For example, 'pedir emprestado à biblioteca' (to borrow from the library) or 'pedir emprestado ao banco' (to borrow from the bank).
Você pode pedir emprestado as minhas ferramentas se precisar.
Eles pediram emprestado um guarda-chuva porque começou a chover.
You will encounter pedir emprestado in a wide variety of everyday conversations and contexts in Portuguese-speaking countries. It's a phrase that reflects common human needs and interactions. From casual chats among friends and family to more formal requests in business or academic settings, its usage is widespread. Listening to native speakers in different situations will help you internalize its natural flow and application.
- Everyday Interactions
- Imagine a neighbor knocking on your door: 'Com licença, você poderia pedir emprestado um pouco de açúcar?' (Excuse me, could you lend me a bit of sugar?). Or a child asking a parent: 'Posso pedir emprestado o seu computador por uma hora?' (Can I borrow your computer for an hour?).
- Financial Contexts
- In discussions about money, you'll hear: 'Ele teve que pedir emprestado dinheiro para pagar as contas.' (He had to borrow money to pay the bills.) or 'Para abrir o negócio, eles pediram emprestado um valor considerável do banco.' (To open the business, they borrowed a considerable amount from the bank.)
- Academic and Professional Settings
- Students might ask a professor: 'Professor, posso pedir emprestado um livro da sua coleção particular?' (Professor, may I borrow a book from your private collection?). In a workplace, 'Preciso pedir emprestado um equipamento específico para este projeto.' (I need to borrow specific equipment for this project.)
A estudante pediu emprestado o caderno da colega para copiar as anotações.
O governo precisou pedir emprestado fundos internacionais para a recuperação econômica.
Learners of Portuguese often make a few common mistakes when using pedir emprestado. These errors usually stem from direct translation from their native language or confusion with similar-sounding phrases. Being aware of these pitfalls can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.
- Confusing 'Pedir Emprestado' with 'Emprestar'
- The most frequent error is confusing pedir emprestado (to borrow) with 'emprestar' (to lend). Remember, 'pedir emprestado' is from the perspective of the person receiving the item, while 'emprestar' is from the perspective of the person giving it.
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- As 'pedir' is an irregular verb, learners might incorrectly conjugate it. Always ensure you use the correct form of 'pedir' based on the subject and tense (e.g., 'eu peço', 'ele pediu', 'nós pediremos').
- Omitting 'Emprestado' or Using it Incorrectly
- Sometimes learners might just say 'pedir' when they mean 'pedir emprestado', which can be ambiguous. While 'pedir' can mean 'to ask for' in general, 'pedir emprestado' specifically means 'to borrow'. Also, ensure 'emprestado' is used as part of the phrase and not as a standalone adjective modifying the subject in the wrong way.
- Incorrect Preposition Usage
- While 'de' is common when borrowing from a person or place, using the wrong preposition can occur. For instance, using 'em' instead of 'de' before the lender's name or institution can sound unnatural.
Mistake: Eu empresto seu livro. (Incorrect - This means 'I lend your book')
Correct: Eu peço emprestado seu livro. (I borrow your book)
Mistake: Ele pediu seu carro. (Ambiguous - Could mean 'He asked for your car' generally)
Correct: Ele pediu emprestado seu carro. (He borrowed your car)
While pedir emprestado is the most common and versatile phrase for 'to borrow', Portuguese offers other ways to express similar concepts, depending on the nuance and formality required. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely.
- 'Pegar emprestado'
- Meaning: To take borrowed. This is a very common and almost interchangeable alternative to pedir emprestado, particularly in informal Brazilian Portuguese. It carries a slightly more active, less formal tone.
- 'Solicitar um empréstimo'
- Meaning: To request a loan. This is a much more formal phrase, typically used when borrowing money from financial institutions like banks. It implies a structured process and is not used for borrowing everyday items.
- 'Usar temporariamente'
- Meaning: To use temporarily. This phrase focuses on the act of using something for a limited period, rather than the act of borrowing itself. It can be used in situations where formal borrowing might not be necessary, like asking to use a colleague's computer for a quick task.
- 'Pegar' (in specific contexts)
- Meaning: To take. In very informal settings, especially among close friends or family, simply saying 'Posso pegar seu carro?' (Can I take your car?) might imply borrowing, but it's less precise and relies heavily on context and relationship.
Alternative: Posso pegar emprestado seu livro? (Can I borrow your book? - Informal)
Formal: Ele vai solicitar um empréstimo bancário. (He is going to request a bank loan.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The verb 'pedir' is quite versatile in Portuguese, appearing in many common phrases like 'pedir desculpas' (to apologize), 'pedir informação' (to ask for information), and 'pedir ajuda' (to ask for help). This highlights the core meaning of 'asking' or 'requesting'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'e' in 'pedir' as a clear 'eh' sound.
- Not nasalizing the 'e' in 'emprestado', making it sound like 'em-pres-TA-do' instead of 'em-pres-TÃ-do'.
- Pronouncing the 'r' in 'emprestado' too strongly.
- Adding an unnecessary 'h' sound before 'emprestado'.
- Confusing the 'd' sound in 'pedir' with a hard 'd'.
Difficulty Rating
This phrase is quite common and easily understandable in most reading materials. Its meaning is usually clear from context, especially when dealing with everyday situations or financial matters. Advanced texts might use it in more figurative or complex financial scenarios.
Writing sentences with 'pedir emprestado' is generally straightforward for learners. The main challenge lies in conjugating 'pedir' correctly and using the appropriate prepositions when specifying the lender.
Pronunciation is relatively easy, and the phrase is frequently used in spoken Portuguese. Learners might make mistakes with verb conjugation or the nasal sounds in 'emprestado'.
Recognizing 'pedir emprestado' when spoken is usually not difficult due to its commonality. Context will often make the meaning clear, even if pronunciation varies slightly.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Conjugation of 'pedir'
Eu peço, tu pedes, ele/ela/você pede, nós pedimos, vós pedis, eles/elas/vocês pedem.
Use of prepositions 'a' and 'de' with lenders
Pedir emprestado a Maria (to Maria), pedir emprestado de um amigo (from a friend).
Use of articles (o, a, um, uma) with borrowed items
Pedir emprestado o livro (the book), pedir emprestado um carro (a car).
Infinitive clauses for purpose
Pedi emprestado o martelo para consertar a cadeira.
Subjunctive mood after verbs of influence (e.g., permitir, exigir)
A biblioteca permite que você peça emprestado até cinco livros.
Examples by Level
Posso pedir emprestado um lápis?
Can I borrow a pencil?
Simple present tense of 'pedir', direct object.
Eu peço emprestado um livro.
I borrow a book.
First person singular present tense of 'pedir'.
Você pode me emprestar um real?
Can you lend me one real?
Using 'emprestar' (to lend) instead of 'pedir emprestado'.
Não tenho dinheiro, preciso pedir emprestado.
I don't have money, I need to borrow.
Infinitive form after 'precisar'.
Ela pediu emprestado o carregador.
She borrowed the charger.
Past tense of 'pedir'.
Vamos pedir emprestado um guarda-chuva.
Let's borrow an umbrella.
'Vamos' + infinitive for suggestion.
Posso pedir emprestado seu telefone?
Can I borrow your phone?
Possessive pronoun 'seu'.
Eles pedem emprestado a bola.
They borrow the ball.
Third person plural present tense of 'pedir'.
Eu preciso pedir emprestado um pouco de sal da vizinha.
I need to borrow a bit of salt from the neighbor.
Using 'um pouco de' and specifying the lender with 'da'.
Você se importaria de me pedir emprestado seu carro por algumas horas?
Would you mind lending me your car for a few hours?
Polite request using 'Você se importaria de'.
Ontem, pedi emprestado dinheiro ao meu irmão.
Yesterday, I borrowed money from my brother.
Pretérito Perfeito (simple past) of 'pedir', using 'ao' (a + o).
A biblioteca permite pedir emprestado até cinco livros por vez.
The library allows borrowing up to five books at a time.
Using 'permitir' and specifying quantity.
Ele sempre pede emprestado meu computador quando o dele está quebrado.
He always borrows my computer when his is broken.
Adverb 'sempre' and subordinate clause 'quando'.
Se você precisar de uma ferramenta, pode pedir emprestado da minha caixa.
If you need a tool, you can borrow from my toolbox.
Conditional clause 'Se' and specifying the source with 'da'.
Nós pedimos emprestado um cobertor porque estava frio.
We borrowed a blanket because it was cold.
Pretérito Perfeito of 'pedir', causal clause 'porque'.
Posso pedir emprestado seu caderno para anotar a lição?
Can I borrow your notebook to write down the lesson?
Purpose clause with infinitive 'para anotar'.
Para concluir o projeto, tivemos que pedir emprestado equipamentos caros.
To complete the project, we had to borrow expensive equipment.
Infinitive purpose clause 'Para concluir', Pretérito Perfeito of 'ter'.
Ele prometeu que devolveria o dinheiro que pediu emprestado assim que recebesse o salário.
He promised he would return the money he borrowed as soon as he received his salary.
Future subjunctive 'devolveria', subordinate clause 'que pediu emprestado', temporal clause 'assim que'.
A instituição financeira permite que seus clientes peçam emprestado fundos com juros baixos.
The financial institution allows its clients to borrow funds with low interest.
Subjunctive 'peçam' after 'permite que', specifying conditions 'com juros baixos'.
Se você não tiver o livro, posso pedir emprestado da biblioteca para você.
If you don't have the book, I can borrow it from the library for you.
Conditional clause 'Se', future simple 'posso pedir'.
A empresa foi forçada a pedir emprestado capital de giro para cobrir as despesas imediatas.
The company was forced to borrow working capital to cover immediate expenses.
Passive voice 'foi forçada', specific financial term 'capital de giro'.
É comum pedir emprestado um pouco de comida a um vizinho em caso de emergência.
It is common to borrow a bit of food from a neighbor in case of emergency.
Impersonal expression 'É comum', prepositional phrase 'em caso de'.
Quando viajamos, às vezes precisamos pedir emprestado um mapa ou um guia local.
When we travel, we sometimes need to borrow a map or a local guide.
Adverb 'às vezes', use of infinitives after 'precisamos'.
Ele não queria incomodar, mas teve que pedir emprestado o carro da sua irmã para ir ao médico.
He didn't want to bother, but he had to borrow his sister's car to go to the doctor.
Negative past tense 'não queria', infinitive purpose 'para ir'.
Antes de pedir emprestado qualquer quantia significativa, é prudente avaliar sua capacidade de reembolso.
Before borrowing any significant amount, it is prudent to assess your repayment capacity.
Gerund 'pedir' after 'Antes de', formal vocabulary 'prudente', 'capacidade de reembolso'.
Os estudantes universitários frequentemente pedem emprestado livros e materiais de estudo uns aos outros.
University students frequently borrow books and study materials from each other.
Adverb 'frequentemente', reciprocal pronoun 'uns aos outros'.
Caso necessite de auxílio financeiro, você poderá pedir emprestado recursos do fundo de emergência da universidade.
Should you require financial assistance, you may borrow resources from the university's emergency fund.
Formal conditional 'Caso necessite', future simple 'poderá pedir', specific term 'fundo de emergência'.
O artista decidiu pedir emprestado elementos visuais de diferentes culturas para criar sua obra.
The artist decided to borrow visual elements from different cultures to create their work.
Infinitive after 'decidiu', purpose clause 'para criar'.
A falta de comunicação levou a um mal-entendido, e ele acabou pedindo emprestado o que não deveria.
The lack of communication led to a misunderstanding, and he ended up borrowing what he shouldn't have.
Subordinate clause 'o que não deveria', gerund construction 'acabou pedindo'.
Para evitar a falência, a empresa teve que pedir emprestado um montante considerável de investidores externos.
To avoid bankruptcy, the company had to borrow a considerable amount from external investors.
Infinitive purpose 'Para evitar', specific financial term 'montante considerável'.
É uma questão de etiqueta social saber quando é apropriado pedir emprestado e quando é melhor comprar.
It's a matter of social etiquette to know when it is appropriate to borrow and when it is better to buy.
Impersonal structure 'É uma questão de', infinitive clauses 'saber quando... e quando...'
O governo anunciou medidas para facilitar o acesso a crédito, permitindo que pequenas empresas peçam emprestado com mais facilidade.
The government announced measures to facilitate access to credit, allowing small businesses to borrow more easily.
Subjunctive 'peçam' after 'permitindo que', adverb 'com mais facilidade'.
A complexidade da situação exigiu que a organização pedisse emprestado recursos de fontes não convencionais.
The complexity of the situation required the organization to borrow resources from unconventional sources.
Subjunctive 'pedisse' after 'exigiu que', formal vocabulary 'fontes não convencionais'.
Ao invés de comprar, ele optou por pedir emprestado o equipamento, argumentando que seria de uso pontual.
Instead of buying, he opted to borrow the equipment, arguing that it would be for one-time use.
'Ao invés de' + infinitive, gerund clause 'argumentando que'.
A política monetária visa controlar a inflação, mas pode levar indivíduos e empresas a pedir emprestado a taxas de juros mais altas.
Monetary policy aims to control inflation, but it can lead individuals and companies to borrow at higher interest rates.
Infinitive after 'visa', prepositional phrase 'a taxas de juros mais altas'.
A falta de investimento em infraestrutura forçou o país a pedir emprestado fundos de organismos multilaterais para projetos de desenvolvimento.
The lack of investment in infrastructure forced the country to borrow funds from multilateral organizations for development projects.
Passive voice 'forçou o país a pedir', specific term 'organismos multilaterais'.
É imperativo que se avalie cuidadosamente a necessidade antes de se comprometer a pedir emprestado, a fim de evitar endividamento excessivo.
It is imperative that one carefully assesses the need before committing to borrowing, in order to avoid excessive debt.
Impersonal 'É imperativo que se avalie', reflexive infinitive 'se comprometer', purpose clause 'a fim de evitar'.
O curador da exposição pediu emprestado obras de arte de diversas coleções particulares para compor o acervo.
The exhibition curator borrowed artworks from various private collections to compose the collection.
Specific profession 'curador', formal vocabulary 'acervo', 'obras de arte'.
A habilidade de negociar termos favoráveis ao pedir emprestado é crucial para a saúde financeira de qualquer negócio.
The ability to negotiate favorable terms when borrowing is crucial for the financial health of any business.
Gerund 'pedir' after 'ao', abstract nouns 'habilidade', 'saúde financeira'.
O estudo explorou as razões pelas quais os indivíduos recorrem a pedir emprestado, mesmo quando alternativas menos arriscadas estão disponíveis.
The study explored the reasons why individuals resort to borrowing, even when less risky alternatives are available.
Relative pronoun 'pelas quais', verb 'recorrem a', comparative 'menos arriscadas'.
A conjuntura econômica global, marcada pela instabilidade, impeliu governos a pedirem emprestado quantias sem precedentes para mitigar os efeitos da crise.
The global economic conjuncture, marked by instability, compelled governments to borrow unprecedented amounts to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
Formal vocabulary 'conjuntura', 'impeliu', 'quantias sem precedentes', 'mitigar'.
O historiador investigou como os impérios antigos utilizavam a prática de pedir emprestado e repatriar riquezas para consolidar seu poder.
The historian investigated how ancient empires used the practice of borrowing and repatriating wealth to consolidate their power.
Formal verb 'investigou', abstract concepts 'consolidar seu poder'.
A proliferação de instrumentos financeiros complexos tornou a decisão de pedir emprestado uma tarefa árdua, exigindo assessoria especializada.
The proliferation of complex financial instruments made the decision to borrow an arduous task, requiring specialized advice.
Formal vocabulary 'proliferação', 'instrumentos financeiros', 'árdua', 'assessoria especializada'.
A análise socioeconômica revelou que a tendência de pedir emprestado se intensifica em períodos de incerteza, refletindo uma busca por segurança.
The socioeconomic analysis revealed that the tendency to borrow intensifies during periods of uncertainty, reflecting a search for security.
Formal terms 'socioeconômica', 'tendência', 'incerteza', 'busca por segurança'.
A ética empresarial exige transparência total quando se trata de pedir emprestado fundos públicos, para garantir a confiança dos cidadãos.
Business ethics demands total transparency when it comes to borrowing public funds, to ensure citizen trust.
Formal phrasing 'quando se trata de', abstract noun 'confiança'.
A sustentabilidade de longo prazo de um projeto muitas vezes depende da sua capacidade de gerir o endividamento, incluindo o montante que se decide pedir emprestado.
The long-term sustainability of a project often depends on its ability to manage debt, including the amount one decides to borrow.
Formal vocabulary 'sustentabilidade', 'gerir o endividamento', 'montante'.
A narrativa literária frequentemente emprega o ato de pedir emprestado como metáfora para a aquisição de conhecimento ou identidade.
Literary narrative frequently employs the act of borrowing as a metaphor for the acquisition of knowledge or identity.
Formal vocabulary 'narrativa literária', 'emprega', 'metáfora', 'aquisição'.
A interdependência global faz com que países frequentemente recorram a pedir emprestado recursos uns dos outros, numa complexa teia de obrigações financeiras.
Global interdependence causes countries to frequently resort to borrowing resources from each other, in a complex web of financial obligations.
Formal vocabulary 'interdependência', 'recorram a', 'teia de obrigações financeiras'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Can you lend me? (asking someone to lend)
Você pode me pedir emprestado R$ 50?
— To borrow something from someone
Ele pediu emprestado um livro de um amigo.
— To borrow something in order to do something
Pedi emprestado o carro para ir ao supermercado.
— To borrow some money
Preciso pedir emprestado um dinheiro para emergências.
— What did you borrow?
Vi você com um objeto novo. O que você pediu emprestado?
— To borrow and return
É importante pedir emprestado com responsabilidade e devolver no prazo.
— To borrow without permission
Pegar algo sem pedir emprestado é considerado roubo.
— To borrow for an emergency
Tive que pedir emprestado para cobrir uma despesa médica inesperada.
— To borrow frequently
Ele tem o hábito de pedir emprestado com frequência, mas raramente devolve.
Often Confused With
'Emprestar' means 'to lend', which is the opposite action of 'pedir emprestado' (to borrow). Remember: you 'pedir emprestado' FROM someone, and someone 'empresta' TO you.
'Alugar' means 'to rent' or 'to lease'. This involves paying money for temporary use and is a formal transaction, unlike 'pedir emprestado' which is usually free and based on goodwill or a loan agreement.
'Pedir' alone means 'to ask for' or 'to request'. 'Pedir emprestado' is a specific type of request: asking to borrow something with the intention of returning it.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to borrow one's daily bread'. This is not a common idiom and might be misunderstood. It's better to use more established phrases.
This phrase is not idiomatic and likely wouldn't be used by native speakers.
Non-idiomatic— To ask for more time, to borrow time. This is a figurative use, implying that time itself is being borrowed.
Precisamos pedir emprestado o tempo para terminar o projeto a tempo.
Figurative— To ask for breathing room or a moment's peace. Highly figurative.
Depois de tanta correria, eu só queria pedir emprestado o ar por um instante.
Figurative— To ask for the impossible, to request something unattainable.
Ele pediu emprestado o sol e a lua para a namorada, mas ela sabia que era impossível.
Figurative— To try one's luck, to hope for good fortune.
Vamos tentar mais uma vez, quem sabe a gente não pede emprestado a sorte.
Figurative— To draw strength from an external source, to find courage.
Antes da apresentação, ele respirou fundo e pediu emprestado a força do leão.
Figurative— To seek advice and guidance from elders.
Em tempos difíceis, é sábio pedir emprestado a sabedoria dos mais velhos.
Figurative— To act with discretion, to keep a secret.
O jornalista decidiu pedir emprestado o manto da discrição sobre a fonte da informação.
Figurative— To seek comfort and support from a friend.
Nos momentos de tristeza, nada como pedir emprestado o abraço de um amigo.
Figurative— To seek validation or approval from someone.
O artista esperava pedir emprestado o olhar de aprovação do crítico.
FigurativeEasily Confused
Both words involve the concept of lending/borrowing and share the root 'prest'. They are antonyms.
'Pedir emprestado' is from the perspective of the person receiving the item (the borrower). 'Emprestar' is from the perspective of the person giving the item (the lender). If you borrow a book, you 'pede emprestado' the book. If your friend gives you the book, your friend 'empresta' the book to you.
Eu <strong>peço emprestado</strong> um livro. (I borrow a book.) vs. Ela <strong>empresta</strong> um livro para mim. (She lends me a book.)
Very similar in meaning and usage, often interchangeable, especially in informal contexts.
'Pedir emprestado' emphasizes the act of asking and requesting permission. 'Pegar emprestado' is slightly more direct, focusing on the action of taking something that has been lent. In practice, the distinction is subtle, and 'pedir emprestado' is generally considered a bit more polite.
Eu <strong>peço emprestado</strong> seu carro. (I ask to borrow your car.) vs. Eu <strong>pego emprestado</strong> seu carro. (I take your car, having been lent it.)
Both involve temporary use of something that isn't yours.
'Pedir emprestado' is usually done without payment, based on trust or a favor, and the item is returned directly to the owner. 'Alugar' involves paying a fee for the use of an item (like a car or an apartment) for a specific period, and it's a formal commercial transaction.
Eu <strong>peço emprestado</strong> o martelo do vizinho. (I borrow the neighbor's hammer.) vs. Eu <strong>alugo</strong> um carro no aeroporto. (I rent a car at the airport.)
'Pedir emprestado' is a specific type of 'pedir'.
'Pedir' is a general verb meaning 'to ask for' or 'to request'. You can 'pedir' anything: a favor, information, food, help. 'Pedir emprestado' is specifically 'to ask for to borrow', implying temporary use and return. You wouldn't say 'pedir emprestado informação' (ask for borrowed information).
Eu <strong>peço</strong> ajuda. (I ask for help.) vs. Eu <strong>peço emprestado</strong> um livro. (I ask to borrow a book.)
Very similar meaning to 'pedir emprestado' and 'pegar emprestado'.
'Tomar emprestado' is a neutral term that means to take something on loan. It's slightly more formal than 'pegar emprestado' but less focused on the 'asking' aspect than 'pedir emprestado'. It's a good general alternative.
Ele <strong>tomou emprestado</strong> dinheiro do banco. (He borrowed money from the bank.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + pedir emprestado + object.
Eu peço emprestado uma caneta.
Subject + pedir emprestado + object + a/de + person.
Ele pediu emprestado o livro de João.
Posso pedir emprestado + object?
Posso pedir emprestado seu telefone?
Subject + ter que + pedir emprestado + object.
Nós tivemos que pedir emprestado o carro.
Pedir emprestado + object + para + infinitive.
Pedi emprestado o dinheiro para comprar comida.
Quando + subject + [verb], + subject + pedir emprestado + object.
Quando chove, peço emprestado um guarda-chuva.
Se + subject + [verb], + subject + pode + pedir emprestado + object.
Se você precisar, pode pedir emprestado meu notebook.
É importante + infinitive + pedir emprestado + object + e + infinitive + devolver.
É importante pedir emprestado o material e devolver a tempo.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
-
Using 'emprestar' instead of 'pedir emprestado'.
→
Eu <strong>peço emprestado</strong> um livro.
Incorrect: 'Eu empresto um livro' means 'I lend a book'. 'Pedir emprestado' is from the borrower's perspective.
-
Incorrect conjugation of 'pedir'.
→
Ele <strong>pediu</strong> emprestado dinheiro ontem.
Incorrect: 'Ele pede emprestado dinheiro ontem' (wrong tense). The past tense is 'pediu'.
-
Omitting 'emprestado'.
→
Posso <strong>pedir emprestado</strong> seu carro?
Incorrect: 'Posso pedir seu carro?' is ambiguous; it could mean 'Can I ask for your car?' generally, not necessarily to borrow.
-
Using the wrong preposition with the lender.
→
Pedi emprestado um lápis <strong>a</strong> Maria.
Incorrect: 'Pedi emprestado um lápis de Maria' sounds less natural when referring to a person. 'A' is often used for people.
-
Confusing with 'alugar'.
→
Preciso <strong>pedir emprestado</strong> um martelo.
Incorrect: 'Preciso alugar um martelo' implies paying for it, which is different from borrowing as a favor.
Tips
Conjugate 'Pedir' Correctly
The verb 'pedir' is irregular. Always remember the correct forms for different subjects and tenses: eu peço, tu pedes, ele/ela/você pede, nós pedimos, vós pedis, eles/elas/vocês pedem. In the past tense, it's eu pedi, tu pediste, ele/ela/você pediu, nós pedimos, vós pedistes, eles/elas/vocês pediram.
Be Polite and Specific
When asking to borrow, be polite ('Por favor', 'Com licença', 'Você se importaria de...'). Specify what you need to borrow and, if possible, for how long. This shows respect for the lender's property and time.
Distinguish from 'Emprestar'
Memorize the difference: 'Pedir emprestado' = to borrow (from the borrower's perspective). 'Emprestar' = to lend (from the lender's perspective). This is a common point of confusion for learners.
Understand the Context
The phrase can be used for anything from borrowing a pen to a large financial loan. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand the scale and nature of the borrowing.
Associate with 'Asking'
Remember that 'pedir' means 'to ask'. So, 'pedir emprestado' is literally 'to ask for lent', emphasizing the request aspect of borrowing.
Create Your Own Sentences
The best way to learn is by doing. Write sentences about things you might need to borrow in your daily life, using 'pedir emprestado' in different tenses and contexts.
Nasal Vowels Matter
The 'e' in 'emprestado' is a nasal vowel. Practice pronouncing it correctly to sound more natural. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate the sound.
Value Trust and Responsibility
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, borrowing is often an act of trust. Always return what you borrow promptly and in good condition to maintain good relationships.
Know Similar Phrases
Be aware of 'pegar emprestado' (informal) and 'solicitar um empréstimo' (formal for money) as they are related and useful in different situations.
Regularly Review
Revisit the definition, examples, and common mistakes periodically. Consistent review will help solidify your understanding and usage of 'pedir emprestado'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are at a party and you need a charger. You see someone with one and you approach them, saying 'Posso pedir emprestado seu carregador?' (Can I borrow your charger?). The 'pedir' sounds like 'pidir', like you're 'pitying' yourself for not having a charger. And 'emprestado' sounds like 'impressed', because you'd be impressed if they lent it to you!
Visual Association
Picture yourself holding out your hand, palm up, in a polite asking gesture. Above your hand, visualize an object (like a book or a phone) hovering, with a small dotted line connecting it back to its original owner. The words 'Pedir Emprestado' are written clearly below this scene.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to think of five different things you might need to 'pedir emprestado' in a week, and write a sentence for each, specifying who you would ask.
Word Origin
The phrase 'pedir emprestado' is a combination of the verb 'pedir' (from Latin 'petere', meaning 'to ask for, to seek') and the past participle 'emprestado' (from Latin 'imprēstare', meaning 'to lend, to loan'). The word 'emprestar' itself comes from 'in' (in, into) + 'prēstare' (to stand before, to be surety for, to lend).
Original meaning: Literally 'to ask for lent'. The core idea is requesting something that is being offered for temporary use.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
When asking to borrow, especially money, be mindful of the other person's situation. Never pressure someone, and always be prepared for a 'no'. Returning borrowed items promptly is a sign of respect and trustworthiness.
In English-speaking cultures, 'borrowing' is also common, but the emphasis might sometimes be more on individual self-sufficiency. However, the social aspect of lending and borrowing exists across many cultures.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Asking a friend or neighbor for a small item.
- Posso pedir emprestado um pouco de açúcar?
- Você tem uma caneta que eu possa pedir emprestado?
- Preciso pedir emprestado seu carregador rapidinho.
Borrowing money.
- Posso pedir emprestado R$ 10?
- Preciso pedir emprestado um dinheiro para o ônibus.
- Você pode me pedir emprestado um valor para a emergência?
Academic or professional settings.
- Posso pedir emprestado um livro da biblioteca?
- Preciso pedir emprestado um equipamento para o projeto.
- A estudante pediu emprestado o caderno da colega.
Borrowing larger items like vehicles.
- Você se importaria de me pedir emprestado o carro?
- Posso pedir emprestado sua bicicleta no fim de semana?
- Ele pediu emprestado a moto do irmão.
Formal requests for loans.
- Vou solicitar um empréstimo ao banco.
- A empresa pediu emprestado fundos para investir.
- Precisamos pedir emprestado capital de giro.
Conversation Starters
"Imagine you're in a new city and forgot your umbrella. What would you say to ask a stranger to borrow one?"
"If your phone battery is dead and you need to make an urgent call, who would you ask to borrow a charger from, and what would you say?"
"Your friend is moving and needs help carrying boxes. What could you offer to lend them, or what might you ask to borrow from them?"
"You're cooking and realize you're missing a key ingredient. Who is the most likely person you would ask to borrow it from, and how would you phrase your request?"
"Think about a time you had to borrow something. What was it, and how did you ask? What did you learn about the process?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you had to 'pedir emprestado' something important. What was it, why did you need it, and how did you feel about asking?
Reflect on the concept of 'lending' versus 'borrowing'. What are the responsibilities associated with each? How does it affect relationships?
Write a short dialogue between two people where one needs to 'pedir emprestado' money from the other. Include the request, the response, and the agreement on repayment.
Consider the difference between 'pedir emprestado' and 'comprar'. When is it more appropriate to borrow, and when is it better to purchase an item?
Imagine you are a lender. What qualities do you look for in someone you are about to lend something to? How do you ensure your item will be returned safely?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Pedir emprestado' means 'to borrow', and it's from the perspective of the person who receives the item. 'Emprestar' means 'to lend', and it's from the perspective of the person who gives the item. So, you 'pedir emprestado' from your friend, and your friend 'empresta' to you. Think of it as: I borrow (pedir emprestado), you lend (emprestar).
Yes, absolutely! 'Pedir emprestado' is very commonly used for borrowing money, whether it's a small amount from a friend or a larger sum from a financial institution (though for large sums, more formal terms like 'solicitar um empréstimo' are often used).
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'pegar emprestado' is very common and often used interchangeably with 'pedir emprestado'. 'Pedir emprestado' might be considered slightly more polite as it emphasizes the act of asking. In Portugal, 'pedir emprestado' might be more prevalent across different registers.
Failing to return something you 'pediu emprestado' can have social consequences, damaging your relationship with the lender and your reputation. In cases of monetary loans, it can lead to debt and legal issues. It's crucial to be responsible and return borrowed items promptly.
Generally, no. 'Pedir emprestado' implies asking for permission. Taking something without asking is considered stealing or appropriation, not borrowing. The only exception might be in extremely urgent, life-saving situations where asking is impossible, but even then, it's not technically 'pedir emprestado'.
You would say: 'Posso pedir emprestado o seu lápis?' or 'Posso pedir emprestado uma caneta?' if you don't know if they have one. A slightly more informal version using 'pegar emprestado' would be 'Posso pegar emprestado seu lápis?'.
'Pedir emprestado' is usually free and based on trust, with the item returned directly to the owner. 'Alugar' means to rent, which involves paying a fee for temporary use, typically in a commercial context (e.g., renting a car, an apartment, or equipment).
The past tense (pretérito perfeito) for 'nós' (we) is 'pedimos'. So, 'Nós pedimos emprestado...' (We borrowed...).
While 'pedir emprestado' is primarily for physical objects and money, it can be used figuratively for abstract concepts like ideas or inspiration in a poetic or literary context. However, in everyday speech, it's best to stick to tangible items or money.
The direct opposite is 'emprestar', which means 'to lend'. Other opposites in terms of acquisition are 'comprar' (to buy) and 'receber de presente' (to receive as a gift).
Test Yourself 10 questions
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Summary
When you need to use something that belongs to someone else for a limited time and plan to return it, you 'pedir emprestado'. This applies to items like books or tools, as well as money.
- To borrow an item or money temporarily.
- Requesting to use something that belongs to another person.
- You must return what you borrow.
- Used for both objects and money.
Conjugate 'Pedir' Correctly
The verb 'pedir' is irregular. Always remember the correct forms for different subjects and tenses: eu peço, tu pedes, ele/ela/você pede, nós pedimos, vós pedis, eles/elas/vocês pedem. In the past tense, it's eu pedi, tu pediste, ele/ela/você pediu, nós pedimos, vós pedistes, eles/elas/vocês pediram.
Be Polite and Specific
When asking to borrow, be polite ('Por favor', 'Com licença', 'Você se importaria de...'). Specify what you need to borrow and, if possible, for how long. This shows respect for the lender's property and time.
Distinguish from 'Emprestar'
Memorize the difference: 'Pedir emprestado' = to borrow (from the borrower's perspective). 'Emprestar' = to lend (from the lender's perspective). This is a common point of confusion for learners.
Understand the Context
The phrase can be used for anything from borrowing a pen to a large financial loan. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand the scale and nature of the borrowing.
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