perdone
/pehr-DOH-nay (Stress on the second syllable)/
Excuse me
Use 'perdone' to get someone's attention or interrupt them, meaning 'Excuse me.'
perdone(Verb)
Excuse me
?To get attention or interrupt
,Pardon me
?When apologizing formally
I beg your pardon
?When asking someone to repeat something
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Command
'Perdone' is the polite command used when addressing someone formally (using 'usted'). Use 'perdona' only for close friends or family.
Implicit 'Me'
When used alone, 'Perdone' often implies 'Perdóneme' (Forgive me), but the word itself is usually enough to signal an apology or request.
⭐ Usage Tips
Handling Interruptions
Always use 'Perdone' or 'Disculpe' when approaching a stranger to show respect and professionalism.
'Perdone' is a formal way to ask someone to pardon or forgive an action.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Trigger
This form ('perdone') is necessary after certain phrases like 'No creo que...' (I don't believe that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...), because they express uncertainty.
Matching Subjects
If the main part of the sentence (e.g., 'Yo creo') has a different person performing the action than the second part ('que él perdone'), the subjunctive form is required.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perdone
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences correctly uses 'perdone' as a polite interruption?
📚 More Resources
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.