Definition
To ask for something or to request something from someone.
Example
Ela pediu um copo de água ao garçom.
Show translation
She asked the waiter for a glass of water.
Etymology
From Latin *petere* ("to seek, to aim for, to request"), also the root of English words like *petition* and *compete* (via *competere*, "to seek together").
Cultural note
In Brazilian Portuguese, *pedir* is the go-to verb for placing an order at a restaurant or café — you'd say *pedir* a pizza, *pedir* uma cerveja, etc. Note that it is NOT the same as *perguntar*, which means "to ask a question." This is a classic false-friend trap for learners: *pedir* = ask for (a thing or action); *perguntar* = ask (a question). Getting them mixed up is very common at the B1 level.