perdóname
per-DOH-nah-meh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Perdóname, no fue mi intención romper tu juguete.
A1Forgive me, it wasn't my intention to break your toy.
¡Perdóname! No vi que estabas ahí.
A1Pardon me! I didn't see you were there.
Necesito hablar contigo. Perdóname por llamarte tan tarde.
A2I need to talk to you. Forgive me for calling you so late.
💡 Grammar Points
The Command Form
This word is the informal 'tú' command form of the verb 'perdonar' (to forgive). It's used when you are directly telling someone you know well to forgive you.
Attaching the Pronoun
In Spanish affirmative commands (telling someone to do something), the little word 'me' (meaning 'me') must be attached directly to the end of the verb.
The Necessary Accent
When you attach the 'me' to the end of a two-syllable command like 'perdona,' the original stress moves, so you must add an accent mark (perdóname) to make sure you keep stressing the 'o'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Separating the Words
Mistake: "Perdona me"
Correction: Perdóname. Always attach 'me' to the end of a positive command like this.
Missing the Accent
Mistake: "Perdoname"
Correction: Perdóname. Without the accent, the stress falls incorrectly on the third-to-last syllable, making it sound strange.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Apology
If you need to apologize to someone you address formally (like a boss or elder), use the 'usted' form: 'Perdóneme'.
Quick Interruption
In addition to a deep apology, 'Perdóname' is often used quickly, like 'Excuse me' or 'Pardon me,' when you interrupt or bump into someone.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perdóname
Question 1 of 2
Which form should you use when apologizing to a close friend?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Perdóname vs. Perdóneme? What's the difference?
They both mean 'Forgive me,' but they use different levels of politeness. 'Perdóname' uses the informal 'tú' form for friends and family. 'Perdóneme' uses the formal 'usted' form for strangers, older people, or professionals.
Can I use 'Perdóname' just to get someone's attention?
Yes, absolutely! While it literally means 'Forgive me,' it is very commonly used as a polite way to say 'Excuse me' or 'Pardon me' when interrupting someone or walking past them.