Perder expresses losing, missing, or wasting something and is used for physical losses, missed opportunities, and even losing in competitions. It’s a stem-changing verb with the pattern e → ie in most forms.
- Meaning: to lose, miss, waste
- Uses: losing objects, missing opportunities, losing games, wasting time
- Stem Change: e → ie (perd- → pierd-)
- Regular endings for -er verbs
*perder* means 'to lose.'
You can use *perder* for losing things, missing opportunities, and losing competitions.
Conjugation Pattern
Perder follows the typical pattern for stem-changing -er verbs: perder → pierdo, pierdes, pierde, perdemos, perdéis, pierden (note: no stem change in nosotros/vosotros).
| Tense | Conjugation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Present | pierdo, pierdes, pierde, perdemos, perdéis, pierden | e→ie stem change except nosotros/vosotros |
| Preterite | perdí, perdiste, perdió, perdimos, perdisteis, perdieron | Regular -er endings; no stem change |
| Imperfect | perdía, perdías, perdía, perdíamos, perdíais, perdían | Regular -er endings |
| Future | perderé, perderás, perderá, perderemos, perderéis, perderán | Attach -er endings to whole stem |
The stem changes from e to ie (pierdo...).
The stem changes in the present and subjunctive, but not in preterite or imperfect.
Present Tense
| Subject | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Pierdo | I lose |
| Tú | Pierdes | You lose |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Pierde | He/She/You lose |
| Nosotros | Perdemos | We lose |
| Vosotros | Perdéis | You all lose |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | Pierden | They lose |
'We lose' is *perdemos* (no stem change for nosotros).
'They lose' is *pierden*.
Preterite Tense
| Subject | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Perdí | I lost |
| Tú | Perdiste | You lost |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Perdió | He/She/You lost |
| Nosotros | Perdimos | We lost |
| Vosotros | Perdisteis | You all lost |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | Perdieron | They lost |
Note: No stem change in preterite.
Correct forms are *perdí, perdió, perdimos*...
No, *perder* uses the regular stem *perd-* in preterite.
Imperfect Tense
| Subject | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Perdía | I used to lose / I was losing |
| Tú | Perdías | You used to lose |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Perdía | He/She/You used to lose |
| Nosotros | Perdíamos | We used to lose |
| Vosotros | Perdíais | You all used to lose |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | Perdían | They used to lose |
Note: Regular -er endings, no stem change.
The root remains *perd-* in imperfect.
'We used to lose' is *perdíamos*.
Future Tense
| Subject | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Perderé | I will lose |
| Tú | Perderás | You will lose |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Perderá | He/She/You will lose |
| Nosotros | Perderemos | We will lose |
| Vosotros | Perderéis | You all will lose |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | Perderán | They will lose |
It's *perderé* (attach endings to full infinitive).
Usage Examples
- Perder las llaves → To lose the keys
- Perder un avión → To miss a plane
- Perder un partido → To lose a match
- Perder tiempo → To waste time
Yes, *perder* can also mean 'to waste' (e.g., perder tiempo).
Conclusion
Perder is a versatile, stem-changing verb essential for discussing losses, missed opportunities, and wasted time in Spanish. Mastering its patterns and uses will deepen your understanding of everyday situations where things don't go as planned.
- Use perder for losing, missing, or wasting situations
- Remember the e→ie stem change in the present (except nosotros/vosotros)
- Apply regular -er endings and no stem change in preterite