perdone
“perdone” means “Excuse me” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Excuse me, Pardon me
Also: I beg your pardon
📝 In Action
Perdone, ¿me puede decir la hora?
A1Excuse me, can you tell me the time?
Perdone la tardanza, el tráfico estuvo horrible.
A2Pardon the delay, the traffic was horrible.
Perdone, ¿no es usted el señor López?
A1Excuse me, aren't you Mr. Lopez?
forgive
📝 In Action
No creo que mi jefe me perdone por llegar tarde.
B2I don't think my boss will forgive me for being late.
Dudo que él perdone tan fácilmente.
C1I doubt that he forgives so easily.
Espero que usted me perdone, señora.
B2I hope that you (formal) forgive me, ma'am.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: perdone
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences correctly uses 'perdone' as a polite interruption?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin verb *perdonare*, meaning 'to grant' or 'to give fully'—the idea being to fully release someone from a debt or fault.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'perdone' y 'perdona'?
'Perdone' is the formal command used with 'usted' (for strangers, elders, or professionals). 'Perdona' is the informal command used with 'tú' (for friends, family, or children).
¿Puedo usar 'Perdone' para pedir atención en un restaurante?
Yes, absolutely. Using 'Perdone' or 'Disculpe' is the most common and polite way to call a waiter or service person.