Poser vs Demander

Both poser and demander can sometimes be translated as “to ask,” but they’re not interchangeable.
Understanding the difference is all about what you’re asking: a question or a favor/information.

You can download a PDF of this lesson guide in my private French Grammar Library.

1. Poser – To put / to ask (a question)

The true English translation of poser is to place or to put down. That’s why it’s used for things like poser un livre sur la table (to put a book on the table).

When it comes to asking questions, French uses the same verb. You place or put a question out there:

poser une question – to ask a question

Examples:

Je peux te poser une question?
Can I ask you a question?
L’élève pose beaucoup de questions.
The student asks a lot of questions.
Le journaliste lui a posé une question difficile.
The journalist asked him a tough question.

Structure:

poser + une question (à quelqu’un)

poser une question à Marie – to ask Marie a question

You can also use poser for abstract “placing”, like poser un problème (to cause a problem) or poser une condition (to set a condition).

2. Demander – To ask (for something) / to request

Demander means to ask for or to request. It’s not about putting a question out there. It’s about wanting information, permission, or an object.

Examples:

J’ai demandé de l’aide.
I asked for help.

Il demande son chemin.
He asks for directions.
Elle m’a demandé si j’étais libre.
She asked me if I was free.
Tu peux me demander n’importe quoi.
You can ask me anything.

Structure:

demander quelque chose (à quelqu’un)
demander à quelqu’un de + infinitif

Examples:

Demande à Paul de venir.
Ask Paul to come.
J’ai demandé à ma mère de m’aider.
I asked my mother to help me.

3. The Basic Rule

If you’re talking about asking a question, use poser. If you’re talking about asking for something, use demander.

Meaning	Verb	Example
To ask a question	poser	Il pose une question à son prof.
To ask for something	demander	Il demande un café au serveur.