Pregunto

Pregunto is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Spanish verb preguntar, meaning “I ask.” It is used when the speaker asks a question or seeks information in the present moment. As a present-tense finite form, it is part of regular conjugation patterns for -ar verbs, following the stem preguntas: preguntar → pregunto, preguntas, pregunta, preguntamos, preguntáis, preguntan.

Etymology and related forms: The verb preguntar derives from Latin quaerere (to seek, to ask) and entered Spanish through medieval forms. The noun pregunta (the question) shares the same root and is often used to distinguish the act of asking from the action of asking a question itself.

Usage and grammar: Pregunto can introduce direct questions, as in “Ahora te pregunto: ¿qué quieres comer?” It also appears in indirect questions, such as “Quiero saber qué te parece; te pregunto si puedes ayudar.” The form agrees with the subject Yo, and Spanish syntax allows object and indirect-object pronouns to accompany it (e.g., “Te pregunto algo” or “Le pregunto a ella”). It can be contrasted with the infinitive preguntar, the gerund preguntando, and the past tense forms like pregunté (I asked).

Pronunciation: In standard Spanish, pregunto is pronounced roughly as “preh-GOON-toh,” with the accent on the second syllable. The final -o is typical for first-person singular forms.

See also: preguntar, pregunta, preguntarse (to ask oneself).