“Ask” has several meanings in Spanish. They’re not interchangeable, and there are some subtle differences in meaning.

Preguntar – “to ask a question” or “to ask about” something.

• Preguntó por ti en la fiesta. – He asked about you at the party.
• Pregunté si habían estudiado para la prueba. – I asked if they had studied for the test.

Pedir – used to indicate a direct request or to ask for something.

• Pidió un libro de español. – She asked for a Spanish book.
• Me pidió dinero pero le dije que no tenía un centavo. – He asked me for money but I told him I didn’t have a penny.

Rogar – to make a formal request, or also to beg or to pray.

• Se ruega a los clientes que tomen las precauciones oportunas para salvaguardar sus pertenencias. Customers are asked to take appropriate precautions in order to protect their belongings.
• Fuimos a la iglesia para rogar. – We went to the church to pray.

Invitar – can be used when asking someone out to do something or go somewhere.

• Te invito a mi casa a echarnos un trago. – Come to my house to have a drink.

Solicitar – used with certain types of requests, such as for information, or in business or legal contexts.

• Solicitan amnistía para el ex presidente. – They are requesting an amnesty for the former president.

See you next time!