perdería
/pair-deh-REE-ah/
would lose
Perdería implies the potential loss of a physical object, like a favorite toy.
perdería(verb)
would lose
?misplacing an item or failing to win
would waste
?spending time or resources poorly
📝 In Action
Si no tuviera cuidado, perdería mis llaves.
B1If I weren't careful, I would lose my keys.
Él perdería el partido sin tu ayuda.
B1He would lose the game without your help.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Would' Form
Perdería is the 'would' form of the verb. Use it when talking about hypothetical situations or things that depend on something else happening first.
One Word, Many People
This exact form is used for 'I' (yo), 'he' (él), 'she' (ella), and 'you formal' (usted). Context usually tells you who is being talked about.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't confuse with 'Will'
Mistake: "Using 'perdería' for a future promise like 'I will lose weight.'"
Correction: Use 'perderé' for 'will' and 'perdería' for 'would' (e.g., if I went on a diet, I would lose weight).
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Suggestions
You can use this form to sound more polite. Instead of saying 'You are losing time,' saying 'I think you would lose time' (Creo que perdería tiempo) sounds softer.
Perdería can also mean missing a scheduled event or transport, like a train leaving the station.
📝 In Action
Si salgo tarde, perdería el tren.
B1If I leave late, I would miss the train.
Ella perdería la oportunidad de su vida.
B1She would miss the opportunity of a lifetime.
⭐ Usage Tips
Missing vs. Losing
In Spanish, the same word is used for losing your wallet and missing your bus. This 'would' form covers both!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perdería
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'I would lose the keys'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'perdía' and 'perdería'?
'Perdía' means 'I used to lose' (past habit), while 'perdería' means 'I would lose' (hypothetical future).