To Ask

Pedir

This verb is used when you’re requesting or ordering something. In English, it corresponds to ‘to ask for’ something. For example: ‘Vou pedir a conta’ (I will ask for the bill.).

Perguntar

It may be confused with the verb ‘perguntar’ (to ask), which we must use only when we refer to a question, like ‘Ele perguntou-me porque é que eu estava tão chateado.’ (He asked me why I was so upset.).

Pedir (to ask for) is related to the noun ‘pedido’ (request), while ‘perguntar’ (to ask) is related to the noun ‘pergunta’ (question).