perdonen
pehr-DOH-nen
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Perdonen, ¿saben dónde está la estación?
A1Excuse me (everyone), do you know where the station is?
Perdonen la tardanza, había mucho tráfico.
A2Forgive the lateness (everyone), there was a lot of traffic.
Espero que me perdonen por lo que dije.
B1I hope they (or you all) forgive me for what I said.
💡 Grammar Points
Addressing a Group
Use 'perdonen' when you are speaking to two or more people. If you are only talking to one friend, use 'perdona' instead.
Two Roles for One Word
This form works as both a command ('Everyone, excuse me!') and in sentences about feelings ('I hope they forgive me').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Mix Up 'Perdonan' and 'Perdonen'
Mistake: "Using 'perdonan' to ask for an excuse."
Correction: Use 'perdonen'. 'Perdonan' (with an 'a') simply describes a fact, like 'They forgive easily.' 'Perdonen' (with an 'e') is the form used for requests and wishes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Getting Attention
In a restaurant or a crowded place, '¡Perdonen!' is a polite way to get the attention of the staff or a group of people blocking your way.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perdonen
Question 1 of 1
You are walking through a crowded market and need a group of people to move. What do you say?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'perdonen' formal or informal?
In Latin America, it is used for any group. In Spain, it is specifically used to be formal or polite when addressing a group.
What is the difference between 'perdonen' and 'disculpen'?
They are almost identical. 'Perdonen' is like 'forgive' or 'pardon,' while 'disculpen' is more like 'excuse.' Both are very common and polite.