This is the 10297th most frequent Japanese word.
頼め
"頼め" means "request" or "ask (for a favor)."
In this sentence, "頼め" is used in the imperative form of the verb "頼む" (to request), directly instructing someone to make a request or task for another.
友達に会ったら、プレゼントを渡すように頼め。
When you meet your friend, ask them to deliver the gift.
Here, "頼めば" is the conditional form of "頼む," indicating an action to take (asking) and its potential consequence (receiving help).
彼に手伝いを頼めば、仕事が早く済むでしょう。
If you ask him for help, the work will likely finish sooner.
In this example, "頼める" is expressed in the potential form, meaning "can ask," showing the feasibility of making a request.