Question 1

Why use ao (to the) instead of do (from the) when we order FROM the waiter?

Accepted Answer

In English, we order something from someone. But in Portuguese, the verb pedir (to ask for / to order) directs the request to the person. So, you use the preposition a (to). Combined with the masculine o (the), it becomes ao.

Question 2

Could pedimos also mean 'we ordered' in the past tense?

Accepted Answer

Yes! For regular IR verbs like pedir, the nós (we) form is exactly the same in both the present tense and the simple past tense. So pedimos can mean either we order or we ordered. You have to rely on context to know which one it is.

Question 3

How do I know when to use pedir versus perguntar since they both mean 'to ask'?

Accepted Answer

Use pedir when you are asking for an object, a favor, or ordering at a restaurant (like the coffees here). Use perguntar when you are asking a question to get information. Since we want a physical thing delivered to us, we use pedir.

Question 4

What does de mesa add to the word empregado?

Accepted Answer

The word empregado on its own just means employee. To specify that this person works waiting tables, Portuguese adds de mesa (of the table). Together, empregado de mesa is the standard way to say waiter in Portugal.

Pedimos dois cafés ao empregado de mesa.

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