"I have not asked for the food."

Translation: Eu não pedi pela comida.

[Quentinho]

Why "Eu não pedi pela comida" does not work here? I think it should as it is the common contraction of "por + a" = pela.

[Koreatown]

Came to ask this

[michelwander]

It is right, indeed.

[Maharlikans]

Can't you also say, "Eu não perguntei pela comida"?

[lugosky]

No. If you say ...'preguntei...' you'd be asking questions about not demanding for the food. Think of an inspector asking the chef what kind of eggs he uses in his recipes.

[josenino972]

Why does "Eu não pedi para a comida" not work here?

[lugosky]

Because that translates to, 'I didn't ask to the food.' The correct word is '...pela...' which is a contraction of '...por + a...'

[jerrysr]

Can I say "eu não pedi a comida"?
Is it necessary to put a "por" here?

[silvinho.batista]

Yes. usually we don't use "POR/PELA" in this case. you are totally right

[jerrysr]

thank you :D

[xacparks]

I'm still confused about why this translates with the word "have". It seems like "I did not ask for the food" is correct, but we need some for of "ter" for "have not". How do I know when this means "I did not" and "I have not"

[Jun-Dai]

Pela is a contraction of "por a", but is "por a" incorrect? I.e., is it necessary to make the contraction?