Spanish · C1 · Family moment
Passing Along a Polite Request in Spanish
In formal Spanish, reported requests and indirect imperatives are typically expressed using the Subjunctive mood. This structure helps distinguish between a statement of fact and a polite request for action, ensuring the child understands that the action is something requested for the future.
What you'll learn
- Identify formal reported requests using verbs like 'pedir' and 'solicitar'.
- Distinguish between reported facts and reported instructions.
- Master the use of the Present Subjunctive to convey the force of a formal invitation or command.
Spanish phrases for passing along a polite request
El coordinador pide que lleves tu cuaderno de proyectos cuando te reúnas con el grupo visitante.
The coordinator asks that you bring your project notebook when you meet the visiting group.
Uses 'pide que' + subjunctive to report a formal request.
La profesora visitante solicita que todos le informen de antemano sobre cualquier alergia alimentaria.
The visiting teacher requests that everyone let her know about any food allergies in advance.
'Solicitar' is a more formal alternative to 'pedir'.
El padre de nuestro invitado pide que expliquemos el trayecto a casa antes de que los niños se marchen.
Our guest's parent asks that we explain the journey home before the children set off.
Note the use of 'antes de que' which also triggers the subjunctive.
El organizador pide que tú y tu compañero acordéis cómo presentar vuestro proyecto.
The organiser asks that you and your partner agree on how to introduce your project.
Uses the 'vosotros' form of the subjunctive 'acordéis' for plural 'you'.
El bibliotecario solicita que los niños manejen con cuidado los materiales de exhibición prestados.
The librarian requests that the children handle the borrowed display materials with care.
'Manejen' clearly indicates an instruction rather than a description of current behavior.
El grupo visitante pide que evitemos publicar fotografías hasta que todos hayan dado su permiso.
The visiting group asks that we avoid posting photographs until everyone has given permission.
'Hayan dado' is the perfect subjunctive, referring to a completed action in the future.
Tu profesor pide que les des tiempo a los visitantes más callados para terminar sus respuestas.
Your teacher asks that you give quieter visitors time to finish their answers.
'Des' is the subjunctive form of 'dar'.
La coordinadora solicita que todos lleguen diez minutos antes; nos está pidiendo que hagamos eso, no dice que ya lo hayamos hecho.
The coordinator requests that everyone arrive ten minutes early; she is asking us to do that, not saying we already have.
Contrasts the requested action (lleguen) with the clarification of intent.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Pedir que
To ask that / To request that
Standard way to introduce an indirect command or request.
Solicitar que
To formally request that
Used in more official or academic contexts.
De antemano
In advance / Beforehand
Commonly used in formal logistics.
Trayecto
Journey / Route
Refers to the path or travel between two points.
Reporting Requests with the Subjunctive
To pass along a request in Spanish, we use a reporting verb (like 'pedir') followed by 'que' and a verb in the Subjunctive. This indicates that the action has not happened yet but is desired.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting Verb | Pide que / Solicita que | El profesor pide que... |
| Action (Subjunctive) | -e, -es, -e / -a, -as, -a | ...abras el libro (Open the book). |
| Contrast with Indicative | Dice que (Fact) vs Pide que (Request) | Dice que vienes (He says you are coming) vs Pide que vengas (He asks you to come). |
More examples
¿Qué pidió el director? Pidió que guardáramos silencio.
What did the director ask? He asked that we keep quiet.
Example of a past request using the imperfect subjunctive.
Es una petición, no un hecho: quiere que llegues temprano.
It's a request, not a fact: he wants you to arrive early.
Clarifying the 'request force' of the statement.