Forgetting the 'e' to 'ie' change

Notice how the 'e' in 'perder' changes to 'ie' in some forms (like 'pierdo'), but not in others ('perdemos'). This happens for 'yo', 'tú', 'él', and 'ellos' forms, which make a shape like a boot on a chart. It's a common pattern in Spanish!

The 'Boot' Verb Transformation

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

This is the go-to verb for competitions. If you can win it ('ganar'), you can lose it ('perder'). Think of them as a pair.

The Opposite of 'Ganar'

Very common, especially in sports, games, and competitions.

The Two Meanings of 'To Miss'

Very common and essential for travel and daily logistics.

The phrase 'perder el tiempo' (to waste time) is extremely common. You'll hear it used just like its English equivalent.

A Common Phrase: 'Perder el tiempo'

Common in discussions about productivity, resources, and abstract concepts.

When you add 'se' to 'perder', the action reflects back on the person doing it. So instead of losing an object, you 'lose yourself'—or in plain English, you 'get lost'. Just add 'me, te, se, nos, os, se' before the verb: 'Me pierdo' (I get lost).

What does 'perderse' mean?

You'll often hear 'No te lo puedes perder' or 'No te pierdas...' which means 'You can't miss it!' or 'Don't miss...'. It's a very common way to recommend a movie, a show, or an event.

Don't Miss Out!

Very common when talking about navigation, getting around, or getting engrossed in something.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish verb 'perder'. Understand its uses for 'to lose', 'to miss', and 'to waste', see full conjugation charts, examples, and common mistakes like 'perder vs. extrañar'.

perder

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations