Conjugations

Present Tense

Both verbs use the same root perder, but perderse includes the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.).

Usage and Meaning

Perder: to lose something or miss something

• Directly means to lose (an object, a game, a wallet).
• Also used for missing something (like a bus or appointment).
• Active verb—someone loses or misses something.

Perderse: to get lost or to miss out on something

• Literally means to get lost (lose oneself).
• Figuratively means to miss out on an experience or event.
• Reflexive verb—action affects the subject themselves.

Examples

Examples of Perder (to lose or miss)

• Perdí mis llaves. — I lost my keys.
• Perdimos el partido. — We lost the game.
• No quiero perder el tren. — I don’t want to miss the train.

Examples of Perderse (to get lost or miss out)

• Me perdí en el centro. — I got lost downtown.
• Se perdió la reunión. — He missed the meeting.
• Nos perdimos la película. — We missed the movie.

Summary

• Use perder when something is lost or missed.
• Use perderse when someone gets lost, or when someone misses out (usually involuntarily).
• Remember: perderse is reflexive and affects the subject directly.

Tips

• Context matters: “perderse” can be literal (getting lost) or figurative (missing out).
• Watch for reflexive pronouns: me, te, se, nos, os, se.
• Practice with example sentences to see how meaning changes.

Additional Examples

More Perder sentences

• Perdí mi cartera en el parque. — I lost my wallet in the park.
• Ella siempre pierde sus gafas. — She always loses her glasses.
• ¿Perdiste el vuelo? — Did you miss the flight?

More Perderse sentences

• Nos perdimos en las montañas. — We got lost in the mountains.
• Me perdí el concierto por trabajar. — I missed the concert because I was working.
• ¿Te perdiste la fiesta? — Did you miss the party?

Conclusion

• Perder = to lose or miss (active, direct loss).
• Perderse = to get lost or miss out (reflexive, subject affected).
• Use context and pronouns to choose the right one.