⏱️ 2 min practice • 🔥 CEFR A2

perder

Stem-Changing (e -> ie) Level A2 ⭐ #22 Most Common

English translation: to lose / to miss (train/bus)

Stem Pattern: e -> ie in stressed boot forms (pierdo, pierdes, pierde, pierden)
💡 Key Usage Note: Used both for losing objects ('perder las llaves') and missing transportation ('perder el tren').
📘 Linguistic Rule: Diphthongizing verb. Regular in nosotros (perdemos) and vosotros (perdéis). Past participle is regular: perdido.
⚖️ Perder vs. Encontrar (Losing vs. Finding)
View ENCONTRAR →
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Presente (Present)

Current loss or missing

Subject Pronoun Conjugation Audio
yo pierdo
tú pierdes
él/ella pierde
nosotros perdemos
vosotros perdéis
ellos/ellas pierden
Example Sentences in Context
  • Siempre pierdo las llaves de casa. — I always lose my house keys.
💡 Tip: Click any row's audio button to hear native pronunciation
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AI Smart Tutor: 'PERDER' Insights

Linguistic breakdowns & native shortcuts

Smart Tips
🧠 Memory Trick (Mnemonic)

Think of 'perdition' (complete ruin/loss). When you perder, something is lost.

⚠️ Most Common Student Mistake
✗ Don't say: Perdí a mi tren esta mañana.
✓ Say instead: Perdí mi tren esta mañana.

Why: Do not use the personal 'a' with inanimate objects like trains or buses.

🗣️ Essential Native Idioms with 'perder'
Perder la cabeza

= To lose one's mind

"¡No pierdas la cabeza por eso!"

Perder el tiempo

= To waste time

"Estamos perdiendo el tiempo aquí."

🎴 Flashcard Practice Mode

Flip through pronouns to test active recall for 'perder'

1 / 24
Presente
yo

Tap anywhere to reveal conjugation ↻

Answer
pierdo

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Frequently Asked Questions: PERDER

Is "perder" a regular or irregular verb in Spanish? ▾

"perder" is classified as a Stem-Changing (e -> ie) verb in Spanish. Its characteristic conjugation pattern is "e -> ie in stressed boot forms (pierdo, pierdes, pierde, pierden)". Diphthongizing verb. Regular in nosotros (perdemos) and vosotros (perdéis). Past participle is regular: perdido. Used both for losing objects ('perder las llaves') and missing transportation ('perder el tren').

What does "perder" mean in English? ▾

In English, "perder" translates primarily to "to lose / to miss (train/bus)". In natural speech, it is commonly used across CEFR level A2 contexts for everyday communication.

What is the most frequent mistake learners make with "perder"? ▾

A frequent error is saying "Perdí a mi tren esta mañana." instead of "Perdí mi tren esta mañana.". Why? Do not use the personal 'a' with inanimate objects like trains or buses.

What are common idioms or expressions with "perder"? ▾

A popular idiom is "Perder la cabeza" which means "To lose one's mind" (e.g. "¡No pierdas la cabeza por eso!").

How can I practice and memorize "perder" conjugations? ▾

Use Verbpedia's built-in interactive flashcards, pronounce each form using native Web Speech audio, and complete the instant mini-quiz below. You can also print a distraction-free A4 cheat sheet using the Print button above.

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Quick Practice: Fill in the Blanks

Test your understanding of 'perder' across tenses

Interactive Quiz
Question 1 ()

What is the 'yo' form of perder in the present tense?

Other Important Spanish Verbs to Study

tener Irregular

to have / to be (age, hunger)

ser Highly Irregular

to be (identity, permanent traits)

estar Irregular

to be (temporary states, location)

ir Highly Irregular

to go

hacer Irregular

to do / to make

querer Irregular

to want / to love

saber Irregular

to know (facts, how to do something)

venir Irregular

to come

hablar Regular

to speak / to talk

poder Irregular

to be able to / can

vivir Regular

to live / reside

comer Regular

to eat

dormir Stem-Changer

to sleep

poner Irregular

to put / place / set

salir Irregular

to leave / go out / exit

sentir Stem-Changer

to feel / regret

pedir Stem-Changer

to ask for / request / order

conducir Irregular

to drive / lead

caer Irregular (G-verb & Y-spell)

to fall

traer Irregular (J-stem preterite)

to bring

oír Highly Irregular

to hear, listen to

conocer Irregular (zc-stem)

to know / to be acquainted with / to meet

pensar Stem-Changing (e -> ie)

to think / to plan (+ inf)

dar Highly Irregular

to give / to produce / to hit

ver Irregular

to see / to watch

llegar Orthographic Changing (g -> gu)

to arrive / to reach

entender Stem-Changing (e -> ie)

to understand / to comprehend

volver Stem-Changing & Irregular Participle

to return / to come back

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