perdonar
/per-doh-NAR/
to forgive
When you perdonar (forgive), you release the burden of resentment.
perdonar(verb)
to forgive
?letting go of resentment
,to pardon
?official or formal forgiveness
to excuse (a person)
?when requesting to be let off the hook
📝 In Action
¿Puedes perdonarme por llegar tan tarde?
A1Can you forgive me for arriving so late?
Ella perdonó a su hermano a pesar del daño que hizo.
A2She forgave her brother despite the damage he caused.
El presidente tiene el poder de perdonar a los criminales.
B1The president has the power to pardon criminals.
💡 Grammar Points
Forgiving Yourself (Reflexive Use)
To say 'to forgive oneself,' you use the verb with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.). Example: 'No me perdono haber mentido' (I don't forgive myself for having lied).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Perdonar vs. Disculpar
Mistake: "Using 'Perdóname' when you only mean 'Excuse me' (e.g., passing in a crowd)."
Correction: Use 'Disculpa' or 'Con permiso' for minor inconveniences. 'Perdonar' is reserved for serious offenses or mistakes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Request
The most common and simplest way to ask for forgiveness is the single word '¡Perdón!' (Forgiveness!) or the imperative 'Perdóname' (Forgive me).
To perdonar can also mean to excuse or overlook a rule or delay.
perdonar(verb)
to excuse
?to overlook a rule or delay
to exempt
?to waive a requirement or debt
,to let someone off
?not to punish
📝 In Action
El banco le perdonó la mitad de la deuda.
B2The bank excused him half of the debt (waived half the debt).
Perdona mi ignorancia, pero ¿qué significa esa palabra?
B1Excuse my ignorance, but what does that word mean?
Por favor, perdona el ruido; estamos en obras.
B1Please excuse the noise; we are doing construction.
💡 Grammar Points
Forgiving Things, Not People
In this sense, 'perdonar' often takes the thing being excused (like a debt or a noise) as the direct object, rather than focusing on the person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Interruption
When you need to interrupt someone politely or request information, starting with 'Perdona...' or 'Disculpa...' is a very common way to soften the request.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perdonar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'perdonar' in the sense of 'waiving a debt'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'Perdonar' and 'Disculpar'?
'Perdonar' means to forgive a serious offense or debt, focusing on the deep emotional act of letting go of resentment. 'Disculpar' means to excuse a minor fault, delay, or to simply say 'Excuse me' when interrupting someone or passing by.
Is 'Perdón' a verb or a noun?
'Perdón' is the noun form, meaning 'forgiveness' or 'pardon.' 'Perdonar' is the verb form, meaning 'to forgive.' You can use 'Perdón' on its own as a quick request for forgiveness.