perdida
/per-DEE-dah/
lost
This image shows an object that is missing or unable to be found, illustrating the meaning 'lost' (perdida).
perdida(Adjective)
lost
?missing or unable to be found
,confused
?bewildered or emotionally lost
missing
?not present
,adrift
?emotionally or figuratively lost
📝 In Action
Mi billetera está perdida. ¿La has visto?
A1My wallet is lost. Have you seen it?
Ella se sentía completamente perdida en la gran ciudad.
B1She felt completely lost (confused/bewildered) in the big city.
La señal de radio está perdida en esta zona de montaña.
B2The radio signal is lost in this mountain area.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement with Nouns
Since 'perdida' is an adjective, it must match the feminine noun it describes (e.g., 'la llave perdida'). The masculine form is 'perdido'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Ser and Estar
Mistake: "Soy perdida."
Correction: Estoy perdida. (Use 'estar' because being lost is a temporary state or location, not a permanent characteristic.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Feeling Lost
To express that you are lost or confused, always use 'Estoy perdido/a' (I am lost). Never use 'Tengo perdido' (I have lost).
Depicting financial damage or a decrease in assets, illustrating the meaning 'loss' (perdida).
perdida(Noun)
loss
?financial or military damage
,casualty
?military context
wastage
?loss of material
,the lost one
?referring to a marginalized person
📝 In Action
La compañía reportó una gran pérdida este trimestre.
B1The company reported a great loss this quarter.
Una sola pérdida de tiempo puede arruinar el proyecto.
B2A single loss (waste) of time can ruin the project.
La pérdida de vidas fue lamentable en aquel desastre.
C1The loss of life was regrettable in that disaster.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Article
When used as a noun, 'pérdida' (with an accent) often uses the definite article 'la' (la pérdida) and usually refers to an abstract concept of loss or a measurable amount lost.
⭐ Usage Tips
Stress Difference
Note that 'perdida' (adjective/participle) has the stress on the second syllable, but 'pérdida' (noun, meaning 'loss') requires a written accent mark and is the more common noun form.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perdida
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'perdida' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'perdida' and 'pérdida'?
'Perdida' (without an accent) is the adjective, meaning 'lost' (e.g., 'la niña perdida'). 'Pérdida' (with an accent) is the noun, meaning 'loss' (e.g., 'una gran pérdida financiera'). They are pronounced almost identically, but the accent marks the difference in function.
How do I use 'perdida' when talking about myself?
If you are female, you say 'Estoy perdida' (I am lost). If you are male, you say 'Estoy perdido'. Remember to use the verb 'estar' (to be in a location/state), not 'ser' (to be permanently).