chiedi

Chiedi is the second-person singular form of the Italian verb chiedere, meaning to ask or to request. It functions as both the present indicative for the subject you (tu) and the informal imperative mood, used when addressing someone directly with a request or command. For example, you might say “Chiedi al professore” (Ask the professor) or “Chiedi scusa” (Ask for forgiveness).

Conjugation and formality: The verb chiedere is irregular in its present tense. The full present tense is io chiedo, tu chiedi, lui/lei chiede, noi chiediamo, voi chiedete, loro chiedono. The past participle is chiesto, and the gerund is chiedendo. The imperative has two voices: the informal singular “Chiedi” and the formal imperative “Chieda” when using Lei, or “Chiedete” for the plural informal, and “Chiedano” for the formal plural Lei or Loro forms.

Usage notes: Chiedi is commonly followed by a prepositional object indicating whom you are asking or what you are asking for, typically with a or a person: “Chiedi a Marco” (Ask Marco) or “Chiedi al vicino” (Ask the neighbor). It can introduce direct questions, requests for information, or permissions, as in “Chiedi se è possibile venire” (Ask if it’s possible to come). In more formal contexts, the verb chiedere is often preferred with polite forms such as “Chieda” or “Chiedano,” depending on the social situation.

Related terms: Chiedere is the general verb meaning to ask; domandare is a more literary or formal synonym. The noun forms include domanda (question) and richiesta (request). Chiedi is a common, versatile form used in everyday Italian.