perdóneme

per-dóh-neh-meh/peɾˈðone.me/

“perdóneme” means “Excuse me” in Spanish (Used to apologize, interrupt, or ask for passage).

Excuse me, Pardon me

Also: Forgive me

Verbal PhraseA1regular arformal

SpainMexico & Andean Countries

A colorful illustration showing a person gently tapping another person's shoulder to get their attention politely.

infinitiveperdonar

gerundperdonando

past Participleperdonado

📝 In Action

Perdóneme, ¿puede decirme dónde está la estación de tren?

Excuse me, can you tell me where the train station is?

Perdóneme, no lo vi. Fue mi culpa.

Pardon me, I didn't see you. It was my fault.

Perdóneme, pero necesito interrumpirle un momento.

Forgive me, but I need to interrupt you for a moment.

Word Connections

Synonyms

disculpe (excuse me (formal))
lo siento (I'm sorry)

Common Collocations

Perdóneme la vida – Spare my life
Perdóneme por llegar tarde – Forgive me for being late

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedperdona

yoperdono

túperdonas

ellos/ellas/ustedesperdonan

nosotrosperdonamos

vosotrosperdonáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedperdonaba

yoperdonaba

túperdonabas

ellos/ellas/ustedesperdonaban

nosotrosperdonábamos

vosotrosperdonabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedperdonó

yoperdoné

túperdonaste

ellos/ellas/ustedesperdonaron

nosotrosperdonamos

vosotrosperdonasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedperdone

yoperdone

túperdones

ellos/ellas/ustedesperdonen

nosotrosperdonemos

vosotrosperdonéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedperdonara/perdonase

yoperdonara/perdonase

túperdonaras/perdonases

ellos/ellas/ustedesperdonaran/perdonasen

nosotrosperdonáramos/perdonásemos

vosotrosperdonarais/perdonaseis

View All Tenses & Moods →

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: perdóneme

Question 1 of 1

Which situation correctly requires the use of 'perdóneme'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

perdonar(to forgive) — Verb

perdón(pardon, forgiveness) — Noun

perdóname(excuse me (informal)) — Verbal phrase

🎵 Rhymes▼

escúchemellámeme

📚 Etymology▼

The root verb 'perdonar' comes from the Latin *per-* (meaning 'through' or 'completely') and *donare* (meaning 'to give'). So, the word literally means 'to completely give' or 'to give away' the offense.

First recorded: 13th century (as the root verb 'perdonar')

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: perdonamiFrench: pardonnez-moi

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'perdóneme' and 'perdóname'?

They both mean 'excuse me' or 'forgive me.' The difference is who you are talking to. 'Perdóneme' uses the formal 'usted' command, while 'perdóname' uses the informal 'tú' command. Use 'perdóneme' for strangers, elders, or professionals.

Can I just say 'Perdón'?

Yes! 'Perdón' (pardon) is a very common, short, and neutral way to say 'excuse me' or 'sorry,' especially for small offenses like needing to squeeze past someone. It is less formal than 'perdóneme' but still polite.