Have you ever looked at your phone and seen a “missed call”? A few minutes later, you might scroll through photos and think, “I miss my best friend.”
In English, we use the same word, “miss,” for both situations. But in Spanish, one word just won't cut it. This is one of those beautiful little quirks of the language where being more specific actually makes things clearer.
So, how do you say ‘to miss’ in Spanish? You have two main options: extrañar and perder.
Let's break down which one to use and when, so you can stop missing the mark and start speaking with confidence.
For the Heart: When to Use Extrañar
Think of extrañar as the emotional, heartfelt "miss." It’s about longing, nostalgia, and a feeling of absence. You use it when you miss people, places, pets, or even abstract things like "the good old days."
If your heart is involved, extrañar is almost always your verb.
Here are some common examples:
- To miss a person:
Te extraño mucho. (I miss you a lot.)
- To miss a place:
Ella extraña su ciudad natal. (She misses her hometown.)
- To miss an experience or time:
Extrañamos las cenas con la familia. (We miss the family dinners.)
Pro Tip: A Common Alternative
You'll also hear the phrase echar de menos used all the time, especially in Spain. It means the exact same thing as extrañar. So, Te echo de menos is another perfect way to say "I miss you." They are completely interchangeable! The use of te here is a great example of direct object pronouns.
For the Schedule: When to Use Perder
Now, let's talk about perder. This is the practical, logistical "miss." It's not about feelings; it's about failing to catch, attend, or take advantage of something.
If you could see it on a calendar or a timetable, you probably need to use perder.
Check out these examples:
- To miss transportation:
¡Corre! Vamos a perder el autobús. (Run! We're going to miss the bus.)
- To miss an event:
Llegué tarde y perdí el principio de la película. (I arrived late and missed the beginning of the movie.)
- To miss an opportunity:
Es una gran oferta. ¡No la pierdas! (It's a great offer. Don't miss it!)
Watch Out for This!
Perder has a double identity! Its most common meaning is actually "to lose." Context is everything. If you say “Perdí mi teléfono,” it means "I lost my phone." If you say “Perdí mi vuelo,” it means "I missed my flight." The object you perder tells you the meaning. This kind of context is also key for telling the difference between tricky words like Ser vs. Estar.
Time for a quick check! See if you can get this one right.
I woke up late and _______ my flight to Madrid.
Quick Summary: Extrañar vs. Perder
Let's put it all together in a simple table.
| Category | Extrañar | Perder |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Missing | Emotional, Nostalgic | Logistical, Timely |
| Core Meaning | To long for, to feel the absence of | To fail to catch or attend |
| Use It For... | People, places, pets, memories | Buses, trains, meetings, opportunities |
| Example | Extraño a mi perro. (I miss my dog.) | Perdí la reunión. (I missed the meeting.) |
Let's Practice!
Ready to test your knowledge one more time? Choose the best verb to complete the sentence.
My grandmother lives in another country. I really ____ her.
You'll Never Miss Again!
And there you have it! The mystery is solved.
Extrañaris for the heart. ❤️Perderis for the clock. ⏰
Remembering this simple distinction will make your Spanish sound much more natural. The next time you want to tell a friend you miss them or complain about missing your train, you'll know exactly which word to choose.
Want to practice this and other tricky Spanish concepts? Check out our A2 Spanish stories to see these words in action. For a bigger challenge, download the InkLingo app and get hands-on experience with interactive exercises that make learning stick!