perdona
/per-DOH-nah/
Excuse me
When used as an interjection, perdona means 'Excuse me,' often used to politely interrupt someone or get their attention.
perdona(Interjection)
Excuse me
?Used to get attention or interrupt someone politely (informal)
,Pardon me
?Used for a small, quick apology (informal)
Sorry
?Short informal apology
📝 In Action
Perdona, ¿sabes dónde está el baño?
A1Excuse me, do you know where the bathroom is?
¡Uy, perdona! No te vi.
A1Whoops, sorry! I didn't see you.
💡 Grammar Points
A Command Form
This word is the 'tú' command form of 'perdonar' (to forgive). In Spanish, we often use the command form as a quick way to ask for attention.
Informal vs. Formal
Since this is the informal 'tú' form, only use 'perdona' when speaking to friends, family, or people your age. Use 'perdone' (the 'usted' form) when speaking formally.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Perdona' Formally
Mistake: "Perdona, señor, ¿cuánto cuesta esto?"
Correction: Perdone, señor, ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (Use the formal 'perdone' when addressing strangers or elders respectfully.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Getting Waiter's Attention
If you are in a restaurant and need the waiter, '¡Perdona!' is a common and polite way to call them over, similar to 'Excuse me!' in English.
As a verb, perdona means 'forgives' (he/she/it/you formal). The image depicts the act of reconciliation that follows forgiveness.
perdona(Verb)
forgives
?He/She/It/You (formal) present tense
,pardons
?He/She/It/You (formal) present tense
excuses
?He/She/It/You (formal) present tense
📝 In Action
Ella siempre perdona los errores de su hijo.
A2She always forgives her son's mistakes.
Si usted me perdona, podemos seguir con la reunión.
B1If you pardon me, we can continue with the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular AR Verb
Since 'perdonar' ends in -ar, it is a regular verb. This means it follows the most common and predictable pattern for conjugating in all tenses, making it easy to memorize.
⭐ Usage Tips
Self-Forgiveness
If you want to say 'to forgive yourself,' you need to use the reflexive form: 'perdonarse'. For example, 'Ella se perdona' (She forgives herself).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perdona
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'perdona' to mean 'Excuse me'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'perdona' and 'perdone'?
'Perdona' is the informal way to say 'Excuse me' (used with 'tú'). 'Perdone' is the formal way to say 'Excuse me' (used with 'usted'). Always use 'perdone' with strangers, elders, or professionals unless invited to be informal.
Can I use 'perdona' to apologize for a big mistake?
No. 'Perdona' is for minor interruptions or small bumps, like bumping into someone. For serious apologies, use 'Lo siento mucho' (I am very sorry) or 'Le pido perdón' (I ask for forgiveness).